Boras: Scherzer won't waive no-trade rights without extension

Contenders hoping to add Max Scherzer this summer better be ready to open their wallets.

Scott Boras, Scherzer's agent, said Friday that his client will only waive his no-trade rights to leave the Washington Nationals if he receives a multi-year extension from the team that acquires him.

"The reality of it is it's going to have to lead to something," Boras told Gordon Wittenmyer of NBC Sports Chicago.

"And the reality of it is a ton of people are going to ask (about him)," he added. "He's probably the most coveted trade chip I've seen because every team that's in it needs him."

Scherzer is a 10-and-5 player - meaning he's played over 10 big-league seasons, the last five with the same team - and thus owns full no-trade rights.

Scherzer, who will turn 37 three days before the trade deadline, is enjoying another brilliant season for the Nationals. The three-time Cy Young winner owns a 2.19 ERA, 3.13 FIP, and 0.83 WHIP with 112 strikeouts and just 18 walks through 14 starts. His walks-per-nine rate has dropped by a little over one from last year's shortened campaign.

Despite sitting 3 1/2 games out of first place after a recent hot streak, the Nationals may try to trade their ace at the deadline in order to cash in before he hits free agency. Scherzer is in the final year of a $210-million contract and earning $35 million this season. (His 2021 salary is deferred, according to Cot's Contracts).

If he's available, Scherzer will likely be the most coveted asset at the deadline, even with the stipulation of a contract extension.