'I think we're going to win here': Rangers' Max Scherzer won't waive his no-trade clause

Max Scherzer thinks the Texas Rangers have what it takes to run it back.

Despite struggling out the gate following their World Series championship, the Rangers have slowly started to work their way back into the playoff picture. They enter play on Wednesday on a five-game win streak and trail the Seattle Mariners by 5.5 games in the AL West, and the Boston Red Sox by 7.0 games for the final wild-card spot.

With the July 30 trade deadline approaching, Texas' slow start has placed Scherzer, entering the final year of his contract, firmly in the rumour mill.

However, because of the Rangers' recent surge, Scherzer says he's not even considering waiving his no-trade clause.

"I'm not gonna do that," Scherzer said when asked if he would entertain being traded Wednesday while appearing on the Foul Territory podcast. "But, I just don't think I even have to think about that. I think we're going to play better baseball, and it's going to be a moot point to even talk about.

"I think we're going to win here."

Since returning from off-season back surgery, Scherzer has been effective for Texas, posting a 3.09 ERA over 23.1 innings. He has only walked three batters this season, and is holding opponents to a .221 batting average against.

The 39-year-old has slowly been rounding into form, with his last start on Tuesday lasting a season-high 6.2 innings with another season-high six strikeouts.

Texas acquired Scherzer at the 2023 trade deadline, sending top prospect Luisangel Acuna to the New York Mets for the three-time Cy Young winner.

Scherzer went on to help the Rangers capture the first World Series in franchise history, making three post-season starts, including a scoreless three-inning performance in Game 3 of the Fall Classic.

Currently sitting at 3384 career strikeouts, Scherzer ranks 11th all-time and trails Houston Astros starter Justin Verlander by nine.