Max Scherzer Joins LA Dodgers, Yankees Acquire Anthony Rizzo as MLB Trade Deadline Nears

(Photo : Alex Trautwig/Getty Images) DENVER, COLORADO - Max Scherzer #31 of the Washington Nationals pitches in the first inning during the 91st MLB All-Star Game at Coors Field on July 13, 2021 in Denver, Colorado.

Several teams decided to pull the trigger on Thursday and finally gave the green light on some blockbuster deals with the MLB Trade Deadline fast approaching. Among notable names traded were World Series champions Max Scherzer, Trea Turner, Anthony Rizzo, Daniel Hudson, and Kyle Schwarber with the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, San Diego Padres, and Boston Red Sox strengthening their lineups for the home stretch.

The Los Angeles Dodgers made the biggest splash when they acquired Max Scherzer and Trea Turner from the Washington Nationals in exchange for four prospects, catcher Keibert Ruiz, outfielder Donovan Casey and right-handed pitchers Josiah Gray and Gerardo Carrillo.

Scherzer bolsters Dodgers rotation

Max Scherzer's addition will help bolster a Dodgers rotation currently without the injured Clayton Kershaw and the still suspended Trevor Bauer. Even at the grand old age of 36, Scherzer has shown this year that he is still one of the best pitchers in the game, posting a solid 2.76 ERA through 19 appearances this season.

What makes the Scherzer signing such a coup for LA is that the deal kept him away from the Dodgers' division rivals, San Diego Padres, who were also interested in the righty's services. The Padres looked to be in front of the Scherzer sweepstakes earlier in the day as they looked to shore up a rotation that is ranked 25th in the league in ERA in the month of July.

Padres general manager A.J. Preller failed to get his main target, but he did acquire some pitching help, trading for reliever Daniel Hudson in a deal with the Nationals. In exchange, San Diego is sending infield prospect Jordy Barley and right-hander Mason Thompson to Washington.

Yankees and Red Sox strengthen offense

In the AL East, the Yankees and the Red Sox added some muscle to their offense for the finishing stretch. The Bronx Bombers bolstered their lineup by acquiring Anthony Rizzo in a three-player trade with the Chicago Cubs. Rizzo gives the Yanks another solid bat in the middle of the lineup, as well as an upgrade on the defensive end.

The Yankees have struggled mightily with their offense this season, as they are ranked just 25th in the majors in runs scored. Contributing to their scoring woes has been the inability of their left-handed batters to hit right-handed pitching. That mark will surely improve now with Rizzo's arrival.

The Yankees have been busy before the trade deadline, as they also acquired left-handed hitter Joey Gallo from the Texas Rangers in exchange for four minor league prospects.

Of course, the Boston Red Sox had to respond to the moves of their arch-rivals. The AL East leaders acquired Kyle Schwarber from Washington in exchange for right-hander Aldo Ramirez. The lefty slugger is having a career year this season, posting a .253/.340/.570 line with 25 home runs across 303 plate appearances.