Spring training is in full swing, and with it comes the usual mix of excitement and concern for the Toronto Blue Jays. The team has already been hit by injuries, losing Bowden Francis for the season, and facing delays with Shane Bieber and possibly Yimi Garcia.
Fortunately, the Jays were proactive in the offseason, bolstering their pitching depth. Cody Ponce was a notable addition to the back of the rotation, while Jose Berrios remains with the team despite trade rumors.
Eric Lauer is also in the mix, vying for a starting role. Although he’s not currently in the top five, Lauer’s talent would make him a valuable asset in many rotations across the league.
In AAA, the depth appears a bit thin unless Ricky Tiedemann steps up as a starter this year. However, Jake Bloss is expected to return by June, adding another option to the mix. Despite some shuffling needed, the Jays are poised to field a strong five-man rotation with solid backup options.
Enter Max Scherzer. The legendary pitcher last took the mound in a high-stakes showdown, holding the formidable Dodgers to just one run over four and a third innings in Game 7 of the World Series.
Although the Jays didn’t clinch the title, Scherzer’s performance was a testament to his enduring skill and competitiveness. Now, reports suggest that Scherzer is eager for another shot at a storybook ending, with talks of him joining the Blue Jays heating up.
Despite his illustrious past, Scherzer posted a 5.19 ERA last season. While the numbers suggest he was somewhat unlucky, he’s realistically a #5 starter in 2026.
Even with Shane Bieber’s delayed start, Scherzer might not crack the starting rotation. Yet, his wealth of experience, leadership, and intense presence could be invaluable to the clubhouse.
The big questions remain: Will the Blue Jays sign Scherzer, and is it the right move for the team? While his role might be uncertain, the potential benefits of having a seasoned veteran like Scherzer could be significant as the Jays aim for a successful season.