"Max Scherzer might not be that guy anymore" – MLB analyst questions the 40-year-old’s ability to remain a frontline pitcher

Max Scherzer is a three-time Cy Young award-winner, making him one of the most successful players on the open market. The veteran ace has more individual accolades than virtually any player who has or will be signed from this year's crop of free agents.

However, he's 40, which is older than most available players. Pitchers can often play past the prime age and longer than position players, but 40 is still old for any MLB player.

That is the reason MLB insider Dan Graca believes the former Texas Rangers pitcher hasn't gotten much attention this offseason.

"He's only a year removed from making 27 starts. ... sub-4.00 ERA," Graca said on Thursday, via MLB Network Radio. " ... You're not talking about somebody that's going to be a front-of-the-rotation type of player. All right, he's a name, he's had a great career, but he might not be that guy anymore."

Graca believes Scherzer isn't far removed from being an impactful player, but the version of the pitcher is not the former Cy Young winner or even someone who could be an All-Star.

The analyst added that Scherzer could be a dependable player who takes the ball and is a good clubhouse presence as a veteran, but expecting top-tier production is far-fetched at this stage.

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Max Scherzer market reportedly heating up

Although free agency has been active for several weeks, Max Scherzer has been largely ignored. His market has been cold, but it seems to be heating up as teams get closer to Spring Training.

Max Scherzer is still available now (Imagn)

Per MLB Trade Rumors, Scherzer has fielded interest from four teams. While the teams were not named, there is some interest sparking as of late.

The Baltimore Orioles make sense. They have an extremely young team and rotation, and Scherzer would be a fantastic depth/mentor addition. He would also be cheap, which fits with the Orioles' unwillingness to spend big money after losing Corbin Burnes.

As the start of next season nears, more teams may also enter the fray and try to get the future Hall of Fame pitcher on their roster.