With less than three weeks until the MLB trade deadline, Chris Young and the Rangers face a critical decision on whether to act as buyers or sellers. However, for Max Scherzer, the choice seems straightforward.

The free-agent-to-be pitcher, Max Scherzer, addressed the upcoming trade deadline in an interview with Scott Braun, Erik Kratz, and former Ranger A.J. Pierzynski on “Foul Territory” on Wednesday. Scherzer, whose expiring contract includes a full no-trade clause allowing him to veto any trade, expressed his intention to stay in Texas and aim for a playoff push.

“I’m not gonna do that,” Scherzer said when asked if he would waive his no-trade clause for the third time in four years. “I just don’t think I even have to think about that. I think we’re gonna play better baseball and it’s gonna be a moot point to even talk about. I think we’re going to win here.”

Scherzer waived his NTC when the Rangers acquired him from the Mets last season, with the remainder of 2023 and all of 2024 left on the three-time Cy Young Award winner’s contract. With that deal now expiring, Scherzer is in a group of Rangers starters who could be candidates to move in a deadline deal, along with Nathan Eovaldi and Michael Lorenzen.

The Rangers have won five consecutive games leading up to Wednesday, positioning themselves to challenge the first-place Seattle Mariners. Scherzer’s return to the rotation has aligned with this winning streak. Despite missing the first two months of the season, Scherzer has posted a 3.09 ERA in four starts since his return and continues to improve physically.

“I’m in a much better spot,” Scherzer said. “I’m ramping up, I’m gaining strength every single time out.”

Entering Wednesday, the Rangers trailed Seattle by 5.5 games for first place in the AL West, with Houston 2 games out of first. Texas faces a crucial series against the Astros starting Friday, leading into the All-Star break in Arlington.