In a notable development for both Max Scherzer and the Toronto Blue Jays, the two parties have come to terms on a one-year contract valued at $15.5 million, as reported by ESPN on Thursday.
This collaboration brings the celebrated right-hander, a likely Hall of Famer, to a Toronto team eager to rebound after missing out on several high-caliber free agents this offseason.
Challenges and Optimism
At 40 years old, Scherzer has long been considered a top-tier pitcher from his generation, although his recent season with the Texas Rangers was difficult.
Injuries plagued him, limiting him to just nine starts, where he recorded a 2-4 win-loss record and a 3.95 ERA.
He underwent offseason surgery to correct a herniated disk in his back, delaying his debut until late June.
A shoulder issue then sidelined him entirely in August, and a hamstring injury cut short his September appearances to one start.
Despite these setbacks, the Blue Jays are optimistic about integrating Scherzer into their distinguished pitching lineup, pending a successful physical examination.
His presence will bolster a rotation already featuring talented arms like Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios, and Chris Bassitt, as well as rising star Bowden Francis, who displayed considerable promise at the end of the 2024 season.
Seasoned Veteran’s Journey
Scherzer was once celebrated for his remarkable durability, consistently making over 30 starts from 2009 to 2018.
Yet the past three seasons have been less forgiving—he recorded 23 starts in 2022, hampered by an oblique strain, and made 27 appearances in 2023, grappling with shoulder and back issues.
Although his fastball velocity has seen a decline, the veteran pitcher still utilizes a varied five-pitch arsenal that has defined his impressive career for over 17 years.
Scherzer’s control remains elite, and while his strikeout rate dipped to 22.6% last season—down from 28%—it still reflects his skill on the mound as he confronts the challenges of aging and recurring injuries.
He allowed a .724 OPS, slightly above the league average, indicating potential for improvement.
A Hall of Fame Career
This latest contract marks Scherzer’s third time as a free agent throughout his illustrious career.
He notably inked a record-setting seven-year, $210 million deal with the Washington Nationals in 2015, a landmark agreement considered one of the best free-agent signings for a pitcher.
During his stint in Washington, Scherzer secured back-to-back Cy Young Awards and made several more top-three finishes in Cy Young voting, playing a crucial role in the Nationals’ 2019 World Series win with a stellar 2.40 ERA in the postseason, all while battling a neck injury.
After his successful run in Washington, Scherzer was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers before signing a lucrative three-year, $130 million contract with the New York Mets.
In his inaugural season with New York, he dazzled with a 2.23 ERA and helped guide the team to the playoffs.
His journey then took him to the Rangers, where he continued to pursue championship aspirations despite injury limitations.
With a remarkable career tally of 216 wins against just 112 losses, three Cy Young Awards, and a 75.4 WAR, Scherzer remains a formidable presence on the mound.
Among active pitchers, only Justin Verlander has more wins, and both Verlander and Clayton Kershaw surpass Scherzer in WAR.
The New York Post was the first to report this exciting partnership between Scherzer and the Blue Jays.
For both the seasoned player and the team, this agreement heralds a thrilling new chapter as they set their sights on the coming season!
