The Toronto Blue Jays could soon make another addition to their rotation.
Toronto entered spring training with an excess of starting pitching. But it was revealed that Shane Bieber will begin the year on the injured list. Eric Lauer and Jose Berrios could also be sent back to the bullpen, as they finished last season.
Yet, Blue Jays insider Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet reported that talks between Scherzer and the Blue Jays have intensified.
“While nothing is finalized, the Toronto Blue Jays‘ talks with Max Scherzer have gotten more serious in the last week, industry sources told Sportsnet,” Nicholson-Smith wrote. “Scherzer, the 41-year-old winner of three Cy Young Awards, is a free agent with other potential suitors still in the mix for his services. But the Blue Jays now appear to be his most serious pursuer as recent talks about a potential reunion have taken place.
“Whether an agreement can be completed remains to be seen. But the sides have been discussing a one-year deal that would deepen the Blue Jays’ pitching staff. While also bringing back a competitor whose intensity helped set the tone within the clubhouse for the 2025 team that reached the World Series.”
How the Blue Jays would figure out their rotation with a potential addition of Scherzer is to be seen. But the future Hall of Famer was beloved in Toronto’s clubhouse, so a reunion makes sense.
The 41-year-old went 5-5 with a 5.19 ERA in 17 starts last season with the Blue Jays.
Blue Jays Will be Patient With Scherzer
If the Blue Jays do ink Scherzer to a one-year deal, the team will take its time getting him ready.
Nicholson-Smith believes the Blue Jays could even look for Scherzer to not make his first start until late April or May.
“A reunion with Scherzer would add to the team’s starting pitching depth chart. A group that now features Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease, Trey Yesavage, Jose Berrios, Cody Ponce, and Eric Lauer. There’s also Shane Bieber, who’s expected to begin the season on the injured list,” Nicholson-Smith added.
“But in the scenario that the Blue Jays did sign Scherzer, the team would likely be very patient with him. One possibility would have him ramp up gradually with a view toward being ready in late April or May.”
Scherzer pitched well in the playoffs as he went 1-0 with a 3.77 ERA in 3 starts.
Scherzer Wanted to Return For a Contender
With Scherzer’s career coming to an end, the right-hander wanted to play for a contender if he was going to pitch again in 2026.
“In a telephone conversation, free-agent right-hander Max Scherzer said he is healthy and ready to sign at any moment if certain teams call,” Rosenthal wrote. “But if the right opportunity is not available, Scherzer also is content to wait until after Opening Day for an opening to emerge with one of his preferred clubs.
“Scherzer, 41, did not specify which teams he is willing to join. But he could follow a plan similar to the one Roger Clemens employed in 2007. (Clemens) signed with the New York Yankees on May 6 for his age 44 and final season. At this stage of his career, Scherzer can afford to be choosy. Remaining at home with his wife, Erica, and four children until he gets the right offer.”
With spring training now underway, it appears Scherzer is set to pick the Blue Jays.
Blue Jays Reportedly Getting Close to Bringing Back Future Hall of Famer