Should the Nationals explore a reunion with this franchise legend?

Let's flash back to January 21st of 2015. It was late at night when the news broke that the Washington Nationals, a team that had won 2 NL East titles in 3 years and had just lost in the National League Division Series again, had just made the signing that they felt would put them over the edge. Of course, this signing would not only alter the course of an entire organization, but would go down as arguably the best free agent signing in the history of the 4 major sports.

In case you don't know who I am talking about yet, that would be Max Scherzer, a name that every Nats fan should be more than familiar with. The man is a future first-ballot Hall-of-Famer, World Series Champion, 8-time All-Star, 3-time Cy Young Award winner, owner of 2 no-hitters and a 20 strikeout game. His 7-year, $210 million contract that he signed in 2015 ultimately ended up being a bargain for the organization, and that's a true rarity among long-term contracts in professional sports. What he also is, is an unrestricted free agent this offseason again, and could the Nationals look to bring him back? It could be a very interesting fit, but I don't think it's out of the question entirely.

At this time, it's obvious that Scherzer is not what he used to be. Since inking a massive 3-year, $130 million contract with the NL East rival New York Mets back in 2021, father time has begun to catch up to the veteran righty. Now 40-years-old, the man who we once thought was invincible is likely looking to cash in one last time in his career. His 3.95 ERA in just 9 starts last year with the Texas Rangers was the highest he's had in a very long time, and even with the Mets in 2023, his numbers were heading in the wrong direction as well.

If I was Mike Rizzo, with the Nationals likely needing a veteran reliever to help bridge the gap to Kyle Finnegan, would you give Max Scherzer a call to see if he's open to a relief role? It certainly can't hurt, in my opinion. While this might seem like a waste, what's the harm in bringing back a franchise legend on a 1-year deal to provide the young club with a winning and championship mentality? His leadership and overall veteran presence could be more valuable to this iteration of the Washington Nationals than any other external addition that could be brought in this offseason.

Durability is certainly a concern at this stage of his career, as he has only made 36 starts in the last 2 seasons combined with the New York Mets and Texas Rangers, and perhaps a move to the bullpen for one final season would give the organization the opportunity for him to ride off into the sunset having taken on more of a veteran leadership role rather than a bonafide ace. His advice and wisdom would be crucial for all of the Nationals' young starting pitchers, and it likely wouldn't break the bank for Scherzer to come back on a 1-year deal as a reliever either.

Would Max Scherzer be open to this kind of transition in order to possibly prolong his career for another season or two? That remains to be seen, but if I was Mike Rizzo I'm at least picking up that phone and making a call to a familiar friend.

Do you think the Nationals should bring back Max Scherzer? Do you think he would be open to a relief role at this stage of his career? As always, please let me know on X, @DCBerk.