The Toronto Blue Jays are set to welcome back Max Scherzer on a one-year deal. The contract guarantees him $3 million, with the potential to earn up to $10 million through incentives. To make room for this signing, the team might place Anthony Santander on the 60-day injured list.
This will be Scherzer’s second season with the Jays. He initially joined during the 2024-25 offseason for $15.5 million, after a challenging year with the Rangers where he could only make nine starts due to injuries, including back surgery. He struggled with a nerve issue in his throwing arm that limited his performance.
Last season, Scherzer faced more setbacks. He left his debut game early because of thumb pain, linked to that same nerve issue. Although he managed a comeback by late June, he didn’t pitch like his former self. For the first time in his long career, he allowed over five earned runs per nine innings, finishing with a 5.19 ERA over 85 innings pitched. While he had six quality starts in 17 appearances, he struggled to go deep into games, often leaving before the sixth inning.
Despite these challenges, Scherzer had moments of brilliance, particularly in the postseason. He was a critical part of the Jays’ run, contributing significantly to the American League Championship Series against Seattle and the World Series against the Dodgers. In the ALCS, he recorded a win in Game 4 by pitching 5 2/3 innings with only two earned runs. He also pitched well in Game 7 of the World Series, leaving the game with a lead.
As he approaches the 2026 season, Scherzer is expected to join a six-man rotation. With Shane Bieber starting the year on the injured list, Scherzer will likely help ease the burden on the starting staff. Toronto’s opening rotation is set to include Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, José Berríos, and Cody Ponce.
Interestingly, Scherzer’s fastball still averaged 93.6 mph last season, contradicting the typical decline seen in pitchers as they age. However, despite this, hitters found ways to connect, leading to the highest home run rate of his career.
As Scherzer prepares for spring training, the Blue Jays hope to utilize his vast experience to push for a championship. The signing brings the team’s total payroll close to $319 million, a franchise record, which comes with significant luxury tax implications. The Jays will pay a 90% tax on spending above $304 million, and Scherzer’s contract adds to that tax bill.
In conclusion, while Scherzer faces challenges at 41, his expertise and past achievements make him a valuable asset for the Blue Jays this season. As fans eagerly anticipate the new season, Scherzer’s journey could be a key player in their pursuit of glory.
For more insights on Scherzer’s performance and the Blue Jays’ strategies, you can check out the latest updates on MLB Trade Rumors.
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