Report: Nationals exploring potential Scherzer trade

The Washington Nationals are discussing trading ace Max Scherzer, according to Jon Heyman of MLB Network.

Washington is seven games back of the New York Mets for first in the NL East and 11 games behind the San Diego Padres for the second wild-card spot in the Senior Circuit.

Scherzer's agent, Scott Boras, said in late June that his client would waive his no-trade rights only if he receives a multi-year extension from the club that acquires him.

The three-time Cy Young Award winner has accrued a 2.83 ERA and 0.88 WHIP to go with 12.2 strikeouts per nine innings over 18 starts (105 innings) this season. Scherzer is an eight-time All-Star during his 14-year career with the Nationals, Detroit Tigers, and Arizona Diamondbacks.