What are the chances the Astros trade for Max Scherzer?

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WASHINGTON, DC – JUNE 19: Starting pitcher Max Scherzer #31 of the Washington Nationals pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies in game two of a double header at Nationals Park on June 19, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

The Verdict: Extremely Unlikely

Astros fans can dream, but if we’re being realistic, this just isn’t happening. Scherzer most likely won’t be available anyway, but even if he were, there are several obstacles to completing a deal.

If the Nationals were to consider trading him, the Astros would certainly kick the tires, at least. They’ll do their homework on every pitcher who would potentially be available. But Jeff Luhnow learned from the Carlos Gomez trade that it’s better to not make a move than it is to make a bad one. He’ll do everything he can to make the team better, but he won’t overpay.

It would be nice to have Scherzer, but acquiring him would not guarantee the Astros another ring. Fans should set their sights on more realistic targets, and there are several who could possibly end up in an Astros uniform before August 1. Scherzer is not the only pitcher who could give the Astros staff the boost it needs.

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***Statistics courtesy of Baseball-Reference***