CBS Sports Baseball Insider Danny Knobler Says Tigers Might Trade Max Scherzer
By Ashley Dunkak
@AshleyDunkak
Just two days after probable Cy Young winner Max Scherzer pitched in relief and helped the Detroit Tigers stave off elimination, national writer Danny Knobler is citing sources who say the Tigers might trade Scherzer during the offseason.
After a banner year in 2013, starting the All-Star Game for the American League and winning 21 games, Scherzer will command a high salary for 2014, probably around $20 million, according to Knobler. Since the Tigers already have several players in that sky-high range - Miguel Cabrera, Prince Fielder and Justin Verlander - they might be hesitant to lay out that much cash. Additionally, Scherzer is a year away from free agency, and clients of Scott Boras are known for testing the market, seeing how much they can get, so getting Scherzer to sign a long-term deal before free agency seems like a stretch.
Not surprisingly, Knobler says plenty of teams would like be interested if the Tigers do intend to shop Scherzer.
"The Nationals have long had interest in Scherzer, and have enough young pitching to get a deal done," Knobler wrote. "The Rangers, who could chase Price, are another team with plenty of prospects and a need for a top pitcher. The Cardinals seem to churn out quality pitchers, but could believe that as a Missouri native, Scherzer would be more inclined to stay with them if they traded for him. The Orioles could be another possibility."
If the Tigers lose Thursday, Scherzer could have pitched his last game for Detroit. Then again, maybe not.
