The Toronto Blue Jays have already addressed their pitching staff this offseason, but they may not be done.
The Blue Jays signed Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce to bolster their rotation. This seemingly ended the team’s hopes of bringing back Chris Bassitt or Max Scherzer. Toronto currently has six starters in Kevin Gausman, Cease, Ponce, Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage, and Jose Berrios, so adding another starter doesn’t make sense.
However, MLB insider Jon Heyman revealed that Toronto is still showing interest in bringing back Scherzer.
“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 was a fan-favorite in Toronto and was beloved in the clubhouse, so bringing him back does make some sense. However, it’s still uncertain where he would fit into the roster.
The future Hall of Famer could further add pitching depth to the Blue Jays’ rotation. It could also allow Toronto to monitor the innings of Yesavage and Bieber while allowing Scherzer to continue to be a leader for the other pitchers.
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.
Scherzer Won’t Rush Next Signing
With Scherzer’s legendary career winding down, he will take his time to make his decision on his next team.
The veteran right-hander wants to play for a competitive team and is open to waiting past Opening Day to sign. Scherzer spoke to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and confirmed he’s fine waiting to sign.
“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 is an eight-time MLB All-Star and one of the top pitchers of his generation. He’s a three-time Cy Young Award winner and a two-time World Series champion, but he appears not be done.
Blue Jays Rotation is Better in 2026
Toronto emphasized improving its pitching staff – more specifically, its rotation – and the Blue Jays did just that.
Blue Jays reporter Keegan Matheson of MLB.com believes Toronto’s rotation is set up to be one of the best in baseball.
“The Blue Jays’ rotation has taken a step forward, though, which hasn’t been given its proper share in conversations about the 2026 team,” Matheson wrote. “They’ve taken this group from good to great, with the potential to be one of the best in baseball. …
“Even when we leave some room for health, bad days and all of the things that can go wrong over 162 games, the Blue Jays are coming out with a clear net positive here. If Gausman keeps pitching near the level he has and Bieber gives the Blue Jays a full, healthy season, this rotation is enough to drag a team to the postseason itself.”
The Blue Jays are looking to get back to the World Series in 2026, backed by their rotation.
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