MLB insider narrows down timeline for Max Scherzer’s free agent deal

As the days of Spring Training draw closer, multi-time All-Star Max Scherzer has yet to find a new home. The 40-year-old's three-year contract with the New York Mets, which earned him more than $40 million per year, has expired, and he has yet to find a new club.

On the latest episode of "Hot Stove" on MLB Network hosted by Lauren Gardner, insider Jon Morosi discussed the timeline in which Max Scherzer could be signed. Morosi stated that Scherzer's signing might hinge on a couple of factors, including the signing of prized international free agent Roki Sasaki.

"I do wonder if we'll learn more once things get settled with Roki Sasaki and other free agent batters," Morosi said. (0:14 onwards)

"If San Diego signs Sasaki, they might ending up trading Dylan Cease or Luis Arraez and they have some more flexibility to make other moves. That could at least indirectly impact where Max (Scherzer) goes."

At the time of writing, there are reportedly three teams being considered as the top candidates for Sasaki's signature: the Dodgers, Padres and Blue Jays.

It will be interesting to see which dominoes fall as the Roki Sasaki signing unfolds and how it could shape the future of teams across the league.

Jon Morosi refutes reports of Max Scherzer as a closer

MLB insider Jon Morosi refuted reports suggesting that two-time World Series champion Max Scherzer could be converted into a closer.

"I do not believe he is a closer. He is a starting pitcher."

Morosi supported his claim by referencing the all-time career strikeout list. Scherzer, who currently sits 11th all-time with 3,407 strikeouts, is closely followed by former teammate Justin Verlander, who is 10th with 3,416 strikeouts.

Morosi noted the close proximity of their tallies and suggested both pitchers would want to surpass the other.

"There's a nine strikeout difference between JV and Max. You can bet that they will find a way to try and pass the other."

The analyst also claimed that Scherzer’s main focus was to pitch as a starter in 2025, not as a closer, as some reports have suggested.