The Toronto Blue Jays could look to add a surprising pitcher, despite their loaded rotation.
Toronto emphasized pitching this offseason as the Blue Jays signed Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce to bolster their rotation. However, the Blue Jays were linked to Framber Valdez before he signed with the Detroit Tigers.
So, after missing out on Valdez, MLB insider Jon Heyman believes Toronto could turn to Zac Gallen or a reunion with Max Scherzer or Chris Bassitt.
“Another big winner this offseason, the Jays are doing what they can to get back to the World Series, and they made a late run at Valdez,” Heyman wrote. “So perhaps they’ll turn to Gallen now, too. Max Scherzer, who turned in great starts in both the ALCS and World Series, is back on their radar, and why wouldn’t Bassitt be, too?”
Turning to Gallen would be a surprise, as the Blue Jays rotation appears to be set. However, he would be a good middle-of-the-rotation arm to add even more depth to the rotation.
Gallen went 13-15 with a 4.83 ERA in 33 starts last season with the Arizona Diamondbacks. He’s had 30+ starts in three of his last four seasons, showing he’s as durable as they come, which is what the Blue Jays like in their rotation.
Gallen was an All-Star in 2023.
Toronto Showed Interest in Scherzer
The Blue Jays signed Scherzer last offseason to bolster their rotation and add some veteran leadership.
Scherzer was solid in the playoffs and gave the Blue Jays some nice starts, and it appears he wants to pitch again in 2025. And, Heyman believes Toronto has some interest in a reunion.
“I think the Jays still have some interest (in Scherzer),” Heyman said on MLB Network. “It’s going to be interesting to see what exactly Max decides. He’s 41 years old now, he wants to be a full-year pitcher and is one of the most competitive guys ever.”
Scherzer, however, won’t rush his next signing, according to Ken Rosenthal. Instead, the right-hander is open to signing after the season starts to make sure it’s the right fit for him.
“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.”
Scherzer went 5-5 with a 5.19 ERA in 17 starts with the Blue Jays last season. In the playoffs, Scherzer was 1-0 with a 3.77 ERA in 3 starts.
Blue Jays Rotation Appears to be Set
Toronto adding another pitcher would be a surprise, given that the Blue Jays rotation is full.
The Blue Jays signed Cease and Ponce to go along with Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, and Trey Yesavage. Jose Berrios, meanwhile, is still on the roster, while Bowden Francis has shown he can be an MLB starter as well, but appears likely to be in Triple-A.
Regardless, the Blue Jays’ rotation is much better in 2026 and will be a strong part of its roster.
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