As the Washington Nationals gear up for their Grapefruit League matchup against the Philadelphia Phillies, they boast a promising 4-1-1 record. However, a rough loss earlier on tempers the excitement for the 2026 season, especially after a quiet offseason. Yet, there's still a glimmer of hope for the young talent within the organization.
Nationals fans were hoping for a big offseason splash, reminiscent of the Jayson Werth signing, to signal a new era of success. While that didn’t happen, there was anticipation around the potential return of a franchise icon.
Yes, we're talking about Max Scherzer. Nationals fans had been buzzing about a possible reunion with the star right-hander.
However, it was reported by Jon Heyman that Scherzer chose to re-sign with the Toronto Blue Jays for the 2026 season. After an unforgettable World Series run with the Blue Jays, it's no shock that the fierce competitor is sticking with them.
Still, it’s a tough pill to swallow for Nationals supporters.
Instead of Scherzer, the Nationals opted for Foster Griffin and Miles Mikolas to round out their rotation. While solid, these choices don’t quite match the excitement Scherzer would have brought. Even considering him as a closer for what could be his final season would have been a fitting farewell for the fans.
Whether the Nationals seriously considered bringing Scherzer back remains unknown. Ever since his trade alongside Trea Turner to the Los Angeles Dodgers-a deal that hasn’t aged well for Washington-fans have dreamed of his return. Scherzer is likely to enter the Hall of Fame with a Nationals cap, but missing the chance for a last hurrah feels like a lost moment for the new front office.