Angels being mystery team for Max Scherzer proves they’re not giving up
By Evan Desai

The LA Angels reportedly emerged as a ‘Mystery team’ for Max Scherzer here during trade deadline season.
Mystery team has shown interest in Max Scherzer. But this time I’ll end the mystery: It’s the Angels. That would make 3 Southern California teams in on Max. Of course, with the Angels only on the cusp of the race, they seem like quite a long shot. Padres and Dodgers more likely.
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 29, 2021
After that, however, the Dodgers seemed to swoop in even harder, so the chances may really not be that great.
The Los Angeles Dodgers are making progress on a deal to acquire Max Scherzer and Trea Turner from the Washington Nationals, as @JeffPassan reported. Deal is not done, obstacles remain.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) July 30, 2021
Either way, however, it tells us a little bit about where the Angels’ heads are at, and that they’re serious about buying.
The LA Angels going for Max Scherzer shows that they are willing to be aggressive at the deadline.
If the LA Angels weren’t serious about trying to make major upgrades to their roster, they wouldn’t be entering discussions for superstars like Max Scherzer.
And I don’t think the Nationals wanted Scherzer in exchange for, say Andrew Heaney and Alex Cobb. That’s obvious, so they were clearly willing to send over bigger pieces, like maybe a Jo Adell, Brandon Marsh, or a Reid Detmers type.
We weren’t going to land Scherzer if the Padres and Dodgers were the other two options. They’re much better teams than we are right now, but the fact that we were in on him is absolutely a good thing.
It shows that this team has decided to go all-in on making the playoffs this year, and giving us the best product they can at the moment.
Don’t be surprised for us to go after other big-name impact players tomorrow. Remember, we weren’t even expected to make any moves today.
Angels waiting until last minute to trade starters. Next
We didn’t land Scherzer, but this is absolutely a good sign. Our front office is taking this team and this season seriously.