There are a number of factors at play when considering whether or not the Washington Nationals will trade Max Scherzer before next month's deadline.

They are five games under .500, but not out of the playoff race at this point. Also, Scherzer is the face of the franchise after Bryce Harper left in free agency this past offseason.

He carries a hefty salary -- $35 million annually through 2021 -- that may preclude some smaller market contenders from acquiring him.

There is also the fact that Scherzer will gain 10-and-5 rights at the end of the season, allowing him to veto any trade. That leaves the Nationals with a window between now and July 31 to move him wherever they choose.

Ken Rosenthal said during an appearance on MLB Network that general manager Mike Rizzo denied a trade was under current consideration, but that for it to be the Nationals would want a "franchise-altering return" for Scherzer.