The New York Yankees are still going through a difficult time in the 2021 season of the MLB. Before starting the day on Monday, June 14, the team ranked fourth in the Eastern Division of the American League with a record of 33-32.
Part of the problems for those led by Aaron Boone, in addition to their weak offense, has been the starting pitching; being Gerrit cole right now the only reliable arm of the rotation.
#Baseball Nationals ask Yankees for ‘their best prospects’ if they want Max Scherzer https://t.co/u4NP0wmRhu #MLB
(@AlBatBeisbol) June 11, 2021
Against this background, the Yankees must go out to reinforce themselves with experienced pitchers. A group of mound veterans are expected to be available on the next trade date, including Max Scherzer, who has sounded his way to the Bronx.
Should the Yankees seek a trade for Scherzer?
Interesting question that once again places the team with the most major league championships around a controversial decision. While Scherzer is living a solid season with the Nationals, a 2.21 ERA and 104 strikeouts in 77.1 innings pitched, the other question is what will they have to deliver to get it?
The Nationals are rumored to demand Deivi Garcia as part of the negotiation for the veteran ace. In addition, sources linked to the potential transaction affirm that even Jasson DomÃnguez could be a target of Washington.
#Yankees news: Yankees trusting the process for better or worse; Luke Voit on the mend; Max Scherzer not currently on the market https://t.co/qes0UTitM5
– Pinstripe Alley (@pinstripealley) June 11, 2021
Turning over either prospect would be a failure for Brian Cashman’s CEO, not just because of their projections, but because of the low durability and expensive contract Scherzer offers.
Scherzer, who will be a free agent at the end of this season, is making $ 27.3 million, a deal that would further increase the luxury tax on a payroll that spends $ 207 million in salaries and barely has the capacity to make a $ 2 million hire, according to Spotrac data.
Scherzer does not guarantee to stay beyond this schedule in the event of landing in New York. It would be one of the worst deals in franchise history that would also let its best prospects go for nothing.
Bottom line, the Yankees shouldn’t trade for Max Scherzer, because of how costly it could be to their payroll and how much it will demand in minor league talent and prospects. So they will have to find another way to add pitchers to reinforce their rotation this year.