Oct 19, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher
Max Scherzerthrows a pitch against the Detroit Tigers during the first inning in game six of the American League Championship Series playoff baseball game at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
According to Ken Rosenthal of foxsports.com, the Nationals are looking to add an “Elite” starting pitcher. Rosenthal thinks that this could add up to Washington acquiring Max Scherzer the likely Cy Young winner this year in the American League. Scherzer was the last first round draft pick by then Arizona scouting director, Mike Rizzo. Scherzer is coming off a monster 2013 in which he posted an ERA of 3.00, an ERA+ of 145 and a FIP of 2.74. He’s entering his final year before free agency, but….wait for it…he’s a Scott Boras client and we all know how much the Nats love them some Scott Boras. Of course, the Nats are typically linked to just about every Boras client these days.
In the same article, Rosenthal also mentions the possibility of acquiring David Price, but Price is likely to command a much steeper price and I would personally be concerned about making a deal with the Rays because they always seem to come out on top in just about every trade they make.
Previously, MLBTR’s Tim Dierkes also predicted that Matt Garza would ultimately sign with the Nationals so all signs seem to indicate that the Nationals will be targeting a front line starter this offseason. Even if it isn’t true it should make this year’s hot stove a lot more interesting for Nats fans.