Max Scherzer’s latest comments could make him perfect fit for 2022 Yankees

Max Scherzer may not be a possibility for the 2021 Yankees … but how about ’22?

The Washington Nationals don’t look like they’d be able to contend in 2021 thanks to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ insane upgrades coupled with an ever-competitive NL East. That’s why we’ve been advocating for the New York Yankees to trade for ace Max Scherzer, who has just one year left on his contract.

Sadly, we know that probably won’t happen, because the Nationals probably want to give it one more go as they look to make upgrades this offseason and the Yankees “can’t afford” to inherit another $30-plus million salary onto their books for the 2021 campaign, especially with all of the other roster needs.

But what about 2022? The Yankees’ prime championship window is within the next two years. And if the Bombers don’t make a pitching upgrade this offseason (it certainly doesn’t look like they will), Scherzer can be theirs when he hits the open market in a year.

Scherzer spoke to Todd Dybas of NBC Sports Washington and had some telling comments about his MLB future. He’ll be entering his age-36 season in 2021, but it sounds like he’s far from finished playing baseball.

“I still love everything it takes to go out there and pitch at a high level,” Scherzer said. “Still love pitching as much as I ever have. I don’t feel like I’m slowing down whatsoever and I want to continue to have as long a career as possible.”

On top of that, according to Dybas, the Nationals have yet to approach Scherzer about a contract extension. Don’t you think if they were interested in one, they would’ve gotten it done by now? Scherzer has been their unquestioned ace the day he arrived and helped them win the franchise’s first ever World Series in 2019.

With a need for veterans in the starting rotation, general manager Brian Cashman should be keeping tabs on the right-hander for the next 11 months. Scherzer would be a tremendous complement to Gerrit Cole and would give the Yankees formidable stability in front of their young arms, who need time to get acclimated at the MLB level.

Scherzer is as accomplished and battle-tested as they come, which is exactly what’s required for a Yankees World Series run. New York will still be contenders in 2021, but in the event the rotation falters in October yet again, Scherzer should be atop the wish list assuming he remains healthy and the Nationals don’t make a move to keep him in DC.

Yankees: 3 missed opportunities that doomed NYY for 2021

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