After a 96-win season in 2025, the Philadelphia Phillies could be in for some significant changes. Already set to jettison designated hitter and outfielder Nick Castellanos and potentially lose catcher JT Realmuto, the rotation could be in for some big changes as well.
Left-handed pitcher Ranger Suarez is currently a free agent, and there is no guarantee the Phillies will bring him back due to his high expected price tag.
With Zack Wheeler possibly missing opening day after Thoracic Outlet Syndrome surgery, the Phillies could need more arms in the rotation.
Bleacher Report’s Joel Reuter has a prediction for Philadelphia to sign an eight-time All-Star to their rotation.
Who Does Reuter Have the Philadelphia Phillies Signing?
In his prediction, Reuter has the Phillies signing right-hander Max Scherzer.
“With Ranger Suárez projected to sign elsewhere in these predictions and Zack Wheeler expected to open the year on the injured list, the Phillies will need to do something to shore up the back of the rotation,” Reuter wrote.
“This could be the perfect landing spot for Max Scherzer as he chases another title in the late stages of his Hall of Fame career.”
Scherzer’s reputation goes without saying—three Cy Young awards, 221 wins, two World Series rings and 3489 strikeouts.
However, he is nearing the end of a career that will end up in Cooperstown. Entering his age-42 season, this could be the last season of a storied career. But does he have enough left in the tank?
Scherzer has struggled with injuries over the past two seasons, pitching in just 26 total games over that period. In 2024, with the Texas Rangers, Scherzer pitched to a 3.95 ERA. However, he took a step back in 2025 with the Toronto Blue Jays, pitching to a 5.19 ERA in 17 starts, a career-high for Scherzer.
The results of the season were as bad as that career-high ERA indicated. Scherzer had a 4.99 FIP, also a career-high. Even more startling is that Scherzer gave up 19 home runs in just 85 innings, resulting in a 2.0 HR/9, also a career-worst.
Should Philadelphia Sign Scherzer?
With the Blue Jays signing Dylan Cease, among others, this offseason to the rotation, one of the best pitchers of the generation was expendable.
While his regular-season performance wasn’t pretty, he put together some solid performances in the playoffs, giving up six runs in 14.1 innings. This included a gutsy Game 7 start in the World Series against his former team, the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Despite Toronto losing this game and series, in what was a thriller, Scherzer gave up just one run in 4.1 innings.
But is Scherzer the only option for Philadelphia?
There are plenty of free agents still available, like Suarez, Zac Gallen and Framber Valdez. But the Phillies have some cheaper, in-house options as well to hold the fort down until Wheeler is back.
Andrew Painter, the No. 16 prospect in baseball, could finally get the call. After dealing with injuries and inconsistency throughout his minor league career, Painter could be ready. Despite having a 5.40 ERA in AAA during the 2025 season, Painter showed flashes of who he can be with 111 strikeouts.
He has one of the best pitching profiles in the minors and, at just 22, is ready to compete for a spot in the rotation.
Recent signee Brad Keller could also start, but will most likely be relegated to a bullpen role.
This could be a perfect spot for Scherzer to land for one last championship run, but is it a good fit for Philadelphia? That remains to be seen.
Phillies Predicted to Sign Eight-Time All-Star Pitcher