The Toronto Blue Jays have been on the hunt for a reliable back-end starter to bolster their pitching lineup, and their search led them back to a familiar face: Max Scherzer. The veteran pitcher's name had been circulating in connection with the Blue Jays for weeks, and Toronto decided to make a move.
Throughout the winter, the Blue Jays showed consistent interest in Scherzer, with talks heating up recently. While no deal was initially in place, Toronto stepped up their efforts to bring the three-time Cy Young winner back to Rogers Centre, despite competition from other teams.
On Wednesday, the Blue Jays successfully signed Scherzer to a surprisingly affordable one-year deal worth $3 million. This contract is notably modest compared to his previous agreements, but it seems Toronto had an ace up their sleeve.
The deal includes performance incentives that could significantly increase Scherzer's earnings. He can earn an additional $1 million for reaching each of several innings-pitched milestones, with a maximum potential of $10 million. This structure likely played a crucial role in enticing Scherzer to join the Blue Jays sooner than expected.
While other teams showed interest, they were likely aiming for a later signing. Toronto, however, seized the moment by crafting an offer that appealed to Scherzer's competitive nature and desire for a unique contract structure. The Blue Jays got their man, and with Scherzer back in the fold, they’re poised to make a strong run this season.