The Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly eyeing a reunion with Max Scherzer, and while that might raise a few eyebrows given the current makeup of their rotation, there’s more to this than just a depth play.
Scherzer, now 41 and entering what would be his 19th MLB season, is no stranger to defying expectations. A three-time Cy Young winner and two-time World Series champion, he’s built a legacy on postseason grit and big-game performances.
And even though his 2025 regular season was statistically the toughest of his career - posting a 5.19 ERA, 1.29 WHIP, and 8.7 K/9 over 85 innings - he still came through when it mattered most. Scherzer started Game 4 of the ALCS and Game 7 of the World Series, continuing to show that when the lights are brightest, he’s still a guy you trust on the mound.
The Blue Jays’ interest comes on the heels of a failed pursuit of Framber Valdez, who ultimately signed with the Tigers. That chase suggests Toronto isn’t quite done tinkering with its pitching staff, even after a busy offseason that saw them bring in Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce.
On paper, the rotation looks deep: Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage, José Berríos, and now Cease and Ponce. That’s a six-man group without even factoring in Scherzer.
So where would he fit?
That’s where things get interesting.
Shane Bieber, who opted into his player option for 2026 after a strong comeback from Tommy John surgery, was expected to be a key piece. But the club announced in December that he’s dealing with forearm fatigue - a red flag, especially for a pitcher with a recent injury history. Bieber’s Opening Day status is now uncertain, and any delay could open the door for someone like Scherzer to step in early.
Then there’s Yesavage, the promising 22-year-old who climbed quickly through the system and reached the majors last season. He racked up nearly 140 innings between the minors and majors in 2025 - a significant workload for a young arm. Managing his innings in his rookie campaign will be crucial, and having a veteran like Scherzer on hand could provide the Jays with the flexibility they need to ease Yesavage in without overextending him.
This isn’t just about numbers or rotation spots. Scherzer brings more than just innings - he brings presence.
He’s a proven postseason performer, a clubhouse leader, and someone who knows how to navigate the long grind of a season. For a Blue Jays team that came within striking distance of a championship last fall, adding a battle-tested arm like Scherzer’s could be as much about October as it is about April.
Toronto may not need Max Scherzer in the traditional sense. But if the goal is to win the final game of the season, having another veteran who’s been there - and delivered - might be exactly what they’re looking for.