According to ESPN, right-handed pitcher Max Scherzer and the Toronto Blue Jays agreed to a one-year $15.5 million contract today. This deal weds the future Hall of Famer with a Toronto club that has been unsuccessful in attracting marquee players this offseason.
For Scherzer, this is redemption time after suffering through an injury-riddled 2024 season. Bothered by back, shoulder, and hamstring issues, he only made nine starts, going 2-4 with a 3.95 ERA. Scherzer looks to rebound after three seasons of reduced playing time due to various ailments and injuries. He did receive significant attention from several teams and reportedly threw a bullpen session in front of at least eight teams this offseason.
Blue Jays Bountiful Staff
Scherzer will add his talents to an already strong Blue Jays starting rotation. He will join a staff that already includes Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios, Chris Bassitt, and Bowden Francis, who ended last season with a 2.88 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, and 128 strikeouts in 140. 2/3 innings. Scherzer projects as a middle-of-the-rotation asset for Toronto, who is still looking to add offensive firepower this offseason.
This winter, the Jays have been stymied in their efforts to lure baseball’s top free-agent talent to the Queen City. They have swung and missed in their attempts to sign outfielder Juan Soto and pitchers Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, and Roki Saski. Toronto was successful in its bid to bring outfielder Anthony Santander north to strengthen its everyday lineup. And they also remain a strong player in the Pete Alonso sweepstakes.
New Chapter for Scherzer
Although his fastball is not as sharp as in his prime, he still has a five-pitch repertoire and pinpoint control. The years have taken a toll on Scherzer after making 30-plus starts 10 years straight, starting with the 2009 season. He was a World Champion with the Washington Nationals in 2019. In that postseason, he was 3-0 with a 2.40 ERA. He also is an eight-time All-Star.
The Blue Jays are Scherzer’s seventh major league team, and at age 40, he would like to exit the game with another championship. He has a career record of 216-112, 3,407 strikeouts in 2,878 innings, and a lifetime WHIP of 1.078. His career WAR is 75.4, only bested by former teammate Justin Verlander and Clayton Kershaw. Talking about the current state of his career, Scherzer told the Dallas Morning News in August.
“When I’m out there, I’ve been able to compete. I look at things like my slider, which I went into the season wanting to fix, and it’s been really good. I still see myself as able to compete and win.”
