The New York Mets added left-handed starting pitcher Rich Hill last week, in exchange for reliever Tommy Hunter and a minor league catcher. Hill had a good debut on Sunday and is expected to be a valuable contributor.
However, the Mets are, most likely, not done searching the market for pitching upgrades prior to the July 30 deadline. After all, while some of them are inching towards an eventual return, Jacob deGrom, Carlos Carrasco, Noah Syndergaard, David Peterson, Joey Lucchesi, and Jordan Yamamoto remain injured.
According to SNY’s Andy Martino, the Mets will ask the Washington Nationals about their ace, veteran right-hander Max Scherzer. The multiple Cy Young winner could be available in trade talks depending on what the Nats think about their chances to get back in the NL East race.
These chances don’t look particularly good: Washington is 45-53, eight games behind the Mets for the division lead. They could become sellers.
Will the Nationals deal him to the division-rival Mets?
Martino reports, however, that outside executives are “skeptical†that Nats GM Mike Rizzo would make a trade to help the division rival Mets, but New York plans to ask about the ace’s availability anyway.
Scherzer will be a free agent after the season and is 37 years old, two situations that could bring his value down somewhat. However, if he is indeed made available, the Nationals will likely ask the Mets for a significant return.
Scherzer, who won the 2019 World Series with the Nationals, is 7-4 with a 2.83 ERA this season. He has been dealing with some triceps discomfort, but the issue is not considered serious.
The righty recently said he would consider waiving his no-trade clause if his acquiring team could sign him to a contract extension.
Will the Mets invest the prospects and money needed to secure Scherzer?