After an unpredictable first-round playoff elimination from the 2014 post-season, the Detroit Tigers are in a state of flux when it comes to their roster contraction.
The biggest decision that GM Dave Dombrowski will have to make this winter will be whether or not to re-sign the 2013 AL-Cy Young Winner Max Scerzer, who turned down a six-year $144 million contract extension prior to the beginning of last season.
Obviously the 30-year old client of Scott Boras is looking for a pretty hefty pay-day. But ever since the Tigers decided to pull the trigger and acquire David Price at the 2014 trade deadline, there have been rumblings that Price's arrival signaled the end for Max Scherzer in the motor-city given the amount of money it'll cost to retain both pitchers along with the hefty contracts of Justin Verlander and Miguel Cabrera.
Something's 'gotta' give - and that something might be Max Scherzer.
If Max Scherzer and the Detroit Tigers part ways, here are the five teams who I believe are the front-runner's to land his services.
5. Los Angeles Angels
Despite finishing the season with the best record in all of baseball at 98-64, the 'Halo's' are feeling the pain of an ALDS sweep handed to them by America's new favorite team, the Kansas City Royals. One of the major issues that handicapped the Angels towards the end of their season was starting pitching depth. The addition of Max Scherzer would give the Angels a much needed boost to the 2015 season with a returning Jered Weaver.
GM Jerry Dipoto and owner Arte Moreno have already proven in recent years that they'll open the bank book when it comes to free-agency and Los Angeles will be an attractive market for Scherzer given the glamor of Southern California and more importantly the glamor of playing with Mike Trout, the games brightest star.
The Angels has genuinely made a routine of sneaking into the 11th hour and stealing big-name free agents during the off-season, how can you not rely on them to be the dark horse to land a prized possession such as Max Scherzer?
4. Boston Red Sox
All signs point to an expensive off-season for the Boston Red Sox as they'll look to bounce back from an abysmal last place finish in AL East for the second time in the past three seasons.
Though they may choose to spend their money elsewhere on the services of Pablo Sandoval, Chase Headley, or attempt to buy back their face of the franchise Jon Lester - I guarantee that Scherzer's name is floating around the Red Sox front-office as we speak. He's just way too big go an asset for the Red Sox to ignore.
3. Los Angeles Dodgers
Going - going, back - back, to Cali for this one because it's no secret that the Los Angeles Dodgers have been in the hunt for a third pitcher to create a big three in their starting rotation to join Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke. Now who wouldn't want to be that guy?
Much like their cross-town AL Rival, the Dodgers are attempting to get over an upsetting early-exit from the playoffs as well, and should never be counted out when free-agency come's around due to their mega TV deal, NL West dominance, and So-Cal landscape.
It was rumored for months that the Dodgers just barely missed-out on David Price at the trade deadline, so don't be surprised if a desperate Dodgers front-office completely outbids the field to acquire the services of Scherzer this off-season.
2. The New York Yankees
When there's a big-name out on the market come time for the winter meetings, you can never ever count out my beloved Bronx Bombers.
After a second-straight year of missing out on the playoffs, Brian Cashman and co. will certainly be in the hunt for a lucrative free-agent who can come in and make a difference.
Max Scherzer seems to fit that description quite well, and would be a nice holiday gift for a Yankees team that has a level of uncertainty involving the future of their starting rotation. If Cashman dished out $150 million for sever years of Jacoby Elssbury's services, imagine how much he'll have to dish out for Max Scherzer.
Like the Red Sox, the Yankees may be targeting other players, but should they choose to zero in on Max Scherzer, expect him to be leading the Yankees out onto the field come opening day in 2015.
1. The Chicago Cubs
Yes. The Chicago Cubs in my number one spot.
Why?
Well, Theo Epstein has been loud and clear in articulating the message to all of baseball that the Chicago Cubs are ready to compete in the NL Central in 2015, which leads me to believe that he is planning on making a major splash in free-agency this winter.
The Chicago Cubs certainly have the revenue stream and market-size to be big spenders should they choose to do so. With an up-and-coming and inexpensive young core of players, the time to lock up an ace with Scherzers capabilities is now.
Epstein's pitch might revolve around the idea of patience, but boy is there plenty to be excited about if you're a Chicago Cubs fan surrounding the near future.
Hot Stove, turnt up.
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