Dodgers insider outlines why Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander aren't L.A. fits

Los Angeles Dodgers reporter David Vassegh firmly believes Max Scherzer or Justin Verlander will not play for the 2025 World Series champions next season. While free agents Scherzer and Verlander are way past their primes, they still have enough left in their tank to provide veteran mentorship in the clubhouse.

Vassegh has been covering sports in LA since the early 200. He shared his thoughts about Scherzer's and Verlander's future with the Dodgers, answering Hollywood actor Bryan Cranston's query in an AM 570 LA Sports interview on Wednesday.

"In the twilight of their careers, there's two future Hall of Famer pitchers out there that are free agents," Cranston said (Timestamp: 38:38). "What do you think? Do you think the Dodgers would bring (Max) Scherzer back on a one-year deal or (Justin) Verlander?"

"No chance," Vassegh replied. "No, I don’t believe they would bring either one of those guys in. Definitely not Sherzer after what took place in 21. And Verlander, I don’t see, you know, he was part of the 2017 Astros."

The Dodgers acquired Max Scherzer and Trea Turner from the Washington Nationals in 2021 midseason trade. While Scherzer impressed in the regular season, NLWS and NLDS, he faltered in the NLCS.

After signing a three-year deal with the Mets in free agency, Scherzer blamed the Dodgers' workload system for his arm fatigue in the NLCS.

Meanwhile, Justin Verlander was a star player for the Astros during their 2017 World Series run. The Astros defeated the Dodgers in seven games to clinch the Fall Classic.

However, MLB found the Astros had cheated by using technology to steal signs and relay them to their sluggers two years later. The incident has left a sour taste on many teams and their fans, especially the Dodgers.

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Dodgers insider backs Mookie Betts to play at shortstop

In the same interview with David Vassegh on AM 570 LA Sports, Bryan Cranston suggested Mookie Betts should play right field in 2016 and move Teoscar Hernandez to left field. Originally a right fielder, Betts transitioned to shortstop last season and impressed in defense.

While Cranston acknowledged Betts' defense, he claimed that it came at the cost of his offense. However, Vassegh disagreed.

"I would say no because in 2024 he was on his way to winning the MVP playing shortstop," Vassegh said (Timestamp: 18:20). "His offense was really good before he broke his hand on a pitch that hit him and he missed six weeks. So I would say he was better at shortstop."

"I mean, they won the World Series," he added. "He had an unassisted double play, so I think he's staying. I think he's staying at shortstop in 2026."

Vassegh also said that Dodgers' No. 4 prospect Alex Freeland, who played 29 games in 2025, is not ready to play as the starting shortstop. However, said free agent Bo Bichette might be a good option.