The Toronto Blue Jays are set to welcome back veteran pitcher Max Scherzer on a one-year deal reportedly worth $3 million, with the potential to earn up to $10 million in incentives. This signing marks Scherzer’s second season with the Blue Jays, whom he joined after signing a $15.5 million contract in the 2024-25 offseason. Toronto plans to create room on the 40-man roster by placing Anthony Santander on the 60-day injured list once the deal is finalized.
Scherzer, a future Hall of Famer and three-time Cy Young Award winner, has faced challenges over the past few seasons, most notably due to injuries. Following a difficult campaign with the Texas Rangers that limited him to just nine starts due to a back surgery and nerve issues affecting his throwing arm, Scherzer’s first year with the Blue Jays was similarly impacted. He left his team debut after three innings because of thumb soreness linked to his prior injuries, which subsequently led to him being sidelined for an extended period.
Despite these setbacks, Scherzer managed to make a comeback, pitching late into the season. He concluded the 2025 season with a career-high 5.19 ERA over 85 innings, a stark contrast from his previous performance levels. While he maintained an above-average strikeout rate of 23% and a respectable walk rate of 6.4%, hitters had a significant amount of power against him, with Scherzer giving up more than two home runs per nine innings for the first time in his illustrious career.
At 41 years old, Scherzer is expected to function as a back-end starter for the Blue Jays this season. His experience and resilience remain assets, particularly after demonstrating his ability to perform under pressure in crucial playoff moments. Notably, he contributed significantly in the AL Championship Series and the World Series, showcasing his enduring talent despite the challenges faced throughout the regular season.
The Blue Jays are preparing to improve upon their previous playoff exclusion and aim for a stronger showing in 2026. Scherzer’s presence in the rotation, where he is likely to start in a six-man setup as the team manages his innings, will be crucial. This is especially relevant as fellow pitcher Shane Bieber deals with forearm fatigue that will keep him sidelined at the start of the season.
The potential implementation of a six-man rotation could support the pitching staff while creating some challenges for the bullpen, particularly with the team’s limited ability to carry multiple relievers. Eric Lauer’s role as a long reliever will be pivotal in this context, especially given his aspirations to secure a starting position rather than remain in relief.
In summary, the return of Scherzer to the Blue Jays represents both a challenge and an opportunity for the team as they balance experience with the need for strategic roster management. The team is hopeful that with a restructured rotation, they can capitalize on Scherzer’s vast experience while mitigating the impact of injuries and enhancing their competitiveness in the upcoming season.