For weeks, rumors have swirled about where Max Scherzer would wind up playing in 2015, and now everyone finally has the answer. Scherzer has agreed to a huge contract with the Washington Nationals, which could lead to other moves for the team.
Nats Looking To Move Zimmermann
Many speculated that Scherzer would eventually wind up with the Yankees because of their deep pockets and desperate need for starting pitching help. The Tigers were also thought to be a possible landing spot, as were the St. Louis Cardinals.
Source: Scherzer seven-year deal with #Nationals will be for more than $180M.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 19, 2015
In the end, the Nationals were the winners. On the surface, it gives the Nationals probably the best starting rotation in the National League, and possibly in all of baseball. Scherzer joins a rotation that already features Stephen Strasburg, Jordan Zimmermann, and Gio Gonzalez.
The move would seem to position Washington as one of the World Series favorites in the National League, but they could have more moves on the way. The team's payroll will be extremely high with Scherzer on board, so they may elect to move one of their current pitchers.
Washington has toyed with the idea of dealing away Zimmermann, who is in line to receive a substantial pay raise after the 2015 season. The Red Sox and a few others have had some discussions about Zimmermann, although it may be hard for the Nationals to get fair value for him because of his contract situation.
The team may also elect to stand pat with their current rotation in order to have the best possible chance at winning a championship this season. Adding an elite pitcher like Scherzer could be the final piece of the puzzle in Washington.
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