Dodgers discussing deal to acquire Max Scherzer and Trea Turner from Nationals, per report

As ESPN’s Jeff Passan first reported Thursday night, the Dodgers are discussing a deal that could net them a pair of All-Stars, right-hander Max Scherzer and shortstop Trea Turner, from the Nationals. The deal almost certainly would see a massive return heading back to Washington:

The 37-year-old Scherzer is undoubtedly a future Hall of Fame and has won three Cy Young Awards over 14 major league seasons, posting a 3.19 ERA and a 1.09 WHIP along the way. While Scherzer has dealt with injuries and some inconsistency this season, he's still been one of the best pitchers in the majors, posting a 2.76 ERA with a 0.89 WHIP, 147 strikeouts, and just 28 walks in 111 innings. He was outstanding in his final start for the Nationals on Thursday, going six innings of a seven-inning doubleheader and allowing just one earned run on three hits, three walks, and five strikeouts. He’d give a huge boost to a Dodgers rotation that is missing Dustin May, Clayton Kershaw, and Trevor Bauer.

Turner, who is currently on the COVID-19 injured list, would presumably take over as the Dodgers’ shortstop as soon as he’s ready to return, then perhaps give way to Corey Seager down the stretch and move to second base or center field. With Turner in the fold and signed through next year, it would seem likely that the Dodgers would let Seager walk as a free agent this offseason.

The deal is not yet completed, and The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal already reported earlier today that Scherzer was close to being dealt to the Padres before those talks apparently slowed. It’ll be interesting to see what happens before tomorrow afternoon’s trade deadline.