Max Scherzer Rumors: Angels Could Be 'Big Player' for Dodgers Star in Free Agency

The Los Angeles Dodgers may have to compete with their northern neighbors if they hope to re-sign pitcher Max Scherzer this offseason. 

According to MLB Network's Jon Heyman, the Los Angeles Angels were interested in adding Scherzer before the trade deadline, and that desire to have him suit up alongside Mike Trout and Shohei Ohtani may carry over to the winter.

It's unclear how much the 37-year-old Scherzer could command in the offseason. The former Detroit Tigers and Washington Nationals ace is finishing up a seven-year, $210 million deal, during which time he helped bring a World Series to D.C. in 2019. 

The urgency for the Angels is understandable.

Los Angeles hasn't made the postseason since 2014 and is running out of time to capitalize on having Trout, one of the best players in MLB history. His postseason career consists solely of a 3-0 sweep by the Kansas City Royals in the 2014 American League Division Series. 

If Scherzer does decide to join the Angels, he'd be reuniting with former Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon, who left Washington to join L.A. on a seven-year, $245 million contract.

While it's unlikely Scherzer commands that type of contract length at this point in his career, the Angels have shown a willingness to pay at—or above—market value for top talent. 

Scherzer certainly qualifies as top talent. The eight-time All-Star and three-time Cy Young winner remains as stellar as ever, posting a 2.67 ERA over 121.1 innings with 163 strikeouts and 29 walks. That's good for a 0.890 WHIP, the best in Scherzer's career if he can maintain it for the rest of the season.

It's not often the Angels and Dodgers compete for talent. As Los Angeles' AL team looks to catch up to their local rival, adding one of the best arms in the game is sure to help close the gap.