Many are beginning to wonder if the Washington Nationals will look to deal Max Scherzer this summer if they aren't in contention in the National League East.

Scherzer, who is slated to become a free agent at the end of the season, has full no-trade rights as a 10-and-5 player.

"Max is a competitor," said a source close to Scherzer. "If he thinks he has a chance to win, I think he would be open to several scenarios."

"He doesn't strike me as a guy who likes sitting out of the playoffs," an American League executive added.

Scherzer is earning $35 million this season, so a team acquiring him in late-July would have to take on about $12 million of the contract.