No Way Cubs Will Acquire Scherzer?
It shouldn’t be a secret, the Chicago Cubs need an ace. Probably the most notable name that could be available is Washington Nationals’ ace, Max Scherzer. While acquiring someone like Scherzer would mean the Cubs would have to part with quality prospects, younger players, it could be worth it if the Cubs could land a playoff spot. Yes, even for a rental.
But when you ask Scott Boras, Scherzer’s agent, Max wouldn’t be a rental – not if you want him to waive his No Trade Clause anyways.
“The reality of it is it’s going to have to lead to something,” Boras told NBC Sports Chicago. “And the reality of it is a ton of people are going to ask,” Boras added. “He’s probably the most coveted trade chip I’ve seen, because every team that’s in it needs him.”
The Cubs aren’t alone in needing a frontline starter, outside the Los Angeles Dodgers, San Diego Padres, and Milwaukee Brewers – everyone needs another starter. But, in the case of Scherzer, landing the powerful righty will also require a contract extension.
This is actually a brilliant strategy by Boras. No player actually likes free agency, even if that is where they get the most money. The courtship, the unknown, the press (positive and negative) all add to the stress of what is a stressful situation. This would allow Scherzer to one, pick where he plays next, and two, choosing for how long he’ll be there. Coincidently, this also allows the Nationals to ask for more in return for Scherzer, knowing that he will be around longer than the remainder of this year.
The Cubs have recently rebuilt their minor league system, and while you don’t want them to trade away the farm, there are areas that there is a surplus and could be used to acquire talent. They have become rich in both the shortstop and catcher positions, and depending on what they plan for MLB roster players (Javier Baez and Willson Contreras) they could send players like Miguel Amaya, Christian Hernandez, Ed Howard, Reggie Perciado, or Yeison Santana.
The question becomes, will the Cubs also be willing to give an extension along with an acquisition?
This is one reason the Cubs shied away from a Justin Verlander trade in 2017. The club also is interested in continuing extension talks (or starting them) with Anthony Rizzo and Kris Bryant. Could conversations with Boras over a Scherzer extension lead to favorable talks with Bryant? Eh, probably not… but anything is possible, of course. To add, Boras isn’t afraid to have extension talks and has negotiated more than other agents in today’s game. However, when asked to clarify some of his comments, Boras did suggest that there could be other ways to entice the hurler to waive his NTC, something earned through his 10-and-5 rights.
“When players are traded, and you refer to contract amendments, it does not necessarily mean an extension. It could be any amendment that gives him a reason to exercise his rights. That’s up to the player at the time. Max and I have never discussed the subject.”
But, Boras also noted that with the Nationals being competitive of late, it likely makes these conversations a “moot” point.
“Because he is where he is contractually, he’s going to have a lot of these things talked about,” Boras said. “But the reality of it is it’s a moot point knowing where they’re at. They’re competitive, and they’re going to be in this race all year along.”
I still think the Cubs look to others in the market. Guys like Jose Berrios from the Minnesota Twins or Danny Duffy of the Kansas City Royals.
