Originally published by DodgerBlue.com
The Los Angeles Dodgers have two of the top free agents available in Max Scherzer and Corey Seager, and there’s been no shortage of reported interest thus far.
In Seager’s case, it’s believed he may sign prior to the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA) as a lockout would likely follow. Scherzer has been presumed by most to be among the free agents who may wait longer as his market should be strong even if it gets to January or February.
The Dodgers are considered one of the favorites to sign Scherzer, who is believed to have interest in playing for a World Series contender.
The New York Mets don’t quite fall into that category and thus aren’t confident in their ability to potentially sign Scherzer despite being interested, according to Andy Martino of SportsNet New York:
Sources: The Mets have had conversations with Scott Boras and Max Scherzer, but not overly optimistic there. At moment they are in hard on Kevin Gausman, who might sign today or tomorrow.
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) November 27, 2021
In addition to Scherzer, the Mets are interested in other top starters such as Kevin Gausman and Robbie Ray, per Jon Heyman of MLB Network:
Mets are focused on the top end of the pitching market at present, Scherzer, Gausman and Ray. They’d love Scherzer but big question is whether he’d come. Mets are in a roll though,
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 27, 2021
Along with the Dodgers and Mets, the St. Louis Cardinals have been linked to Scherzer as well. On the surface they aren’t a World Series contender, but do represent a chance for the future Hall of Famer to join his hometown team.
Given the praise Scherzer has given the Dodgers, coupled with their need for starting pitching and being a championship-caliber club, it would stand to reason they eventually agree to terms.
Scherzer earned All-MLB honors
Although the 37-year-old fell short of winning a fourth career Cy Young Award, Scherzer was among the starting pitchers named to All-MLB First Team.
Scherzer finished the year a combined 15-4 with a 2.46 ERA, 0.86 WHIP, 11.84 strikeouts per nine innings and .185 opponents’ batting average this season. He led the Majors in WHIP and batting average against, and was second in the NL in ERA and strikeouts per nine.
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