Phillies Unlikely to Sign Max Scherzer Due to Financial Constraints
The Philadelphia Phillies are not expected to pursue free-agent pitcher Max Scherzer, largely due to financial limitations created by their already high payroll and the luxury tax.
Scherzer, 40, remains on the market after throwing a showcase for interested teams, with Phillies scouts reportedly in attendance. However, his potential contract demands—likely similar to the one-year, $15 million deal Justin Verlander signed with the San Francisco Giants—make a deal unlikely. Given the Phillies’ payroll situation, signing Scherzer for that amount would cost the team approximately $31.5 million due to the luxury tax penalties.
Scherzer is coming off an injury-plagued 2024 season in which he made just nine starts for the Texas Rangers, posting a 2-4 record with a 3.95 ERA over 43 1/3 innings. While still capable of contributing, his age and durability concerns add risk.
The Phillies have already bolstered their pitching staff by acquiring Jesús Luzardo from the Miami Marlins. He joins a rotation featuring Zack Wheeler, Aaron Nola, Cristopher Sánchez, Ranger Suárez, and Luzardo—arguably one of the league’s strongest groups heading into 2025. Additionally, top pitching prospect Andrew Painter is nearing his MLB debut, and the team has veteran depth in Taijuan Walker and newly acquired Joe Ross.
Wheeler and Nola have publicly opposed a six-man rotation, making a Scherzer signing even less practical. While the idea of Scherzer in a Phillies uniform is intriguing, the financial and roster implications make it an unlikely move.
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