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Max Scherzer: 'I don't want to be traded'

Max Scherzer tells the MLB Radio Network he wants to remain in Detroit, but there have been no concrete talks in regard to a contract extension.

By Al Beaton
Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Max Scherzer, the 2103 Al CY Young winner, was interviewed Friday afternoon by Jim Bowden and Casey Stern of MLB Network Radio on SiriusXM.

Max Scherzer rumors: Scherzer a trade candidate Scott Boras noncommittal on contract talks between Tigers and Max Scherzer

When asked if he was surprised hearing the recent rumors which had the Detroit tigers open to trading him, Scherzer.said he had been through it before.

"When you've been traded before in your career you get the business side of the game. You also get the payroll issues we have in Detroit."

But the newest Cy Young winner also added he doesn't want to leave, as there is unfinished business.

"There's a possibility where it makes sense for Detroit to trade me. I don't want to be traded. We have a great thing going in Detroit, we have a great team. I hope they don't mess with it. I want to be a Detroit Tiger, and hopefully get back to the playoffs to try to do the ultimate goal and win something for Detroit."

When asked if agent Scott Boras was working on a contract extension, Scherzer wasn't quite as expressive.

We've talked about it. We're open to it.  No actual dialog, but we've got a good thing going in Detroit.

Scherzer made one other good point toward remaining a Tiger.

"Plus, we've got Miguel Cabrera. Who'd want to leave and face that guy?"

Scherzer is saying all the right things and sounds sincere. He also realizes the Tigers have unfinished business and with contracts expiring over the next two years, the clock is ticking on this core group to take home, as he put it, "The ultimate prize."

But Tigers want Drew Smyly in the rotation, which gives them six legitimate starting pitchers. If they are going to improve the team via trade, dealing from their biggest strength, their loaded starting pitching, makes the most sense. It remains to be seen if Scherzer ends up being used tantalizing trade bait or if one of his rotation-mates ends up on the trading block instead.

Scherzer's money quotes begin approximately 1:20 into the embedded audio clip.

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