Jays Sign Max Scherzer

 

Photo From AP News

The Toronto Blue Jays have added to their pitching rotation. The team announced Thursday night that they had signed three-time Cy Young winner Max Scherzer to a one-year contract worth $15.5 million. The 40-year-old veteran brings plenty of experience to the clubhouse. Scherzer is a two-time World Series champion, with his most recent ring coming in 2023 with the Texas Rangers. His addition will help contribute to the winning mindset and culture that the Jays' front office is trying to build.

Unfortunately, Scherzer spent most of last season dealing with injuries, appearing in just nine games. However, those nine games were strong—he posted a 2-4 record with a 3.95 ERA, throwing a total of 43 innings and registering 40 strikeouts. It’s clear that if Scherzer had stayed healthy, he likely would have had a very strong season on the mound.

Adding Scherzer helps the rotation, as he will likely slot into either the fourth or fifth spot while also serving as a mentor to pitchers like Bowden Francis, who had a strong post-All-Star break performance last season. This signing also strengthens the bullpen, as Yariel Rodríguez will now move into a relief role—something I have said many times is a better fit for him. With Rodríguez in the bullpen, Zach Pop will likely begin the season in Triple-A Buffalo.

Additionally, Scherzer serves as a solid placeholder while Alek Manoah recovers from surgery. Manoah is reportedly aiming for an August return. With just two weeks until pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training, many credible baseball reporters are saying that the Blue Jays still have plenty of financial flexibility for more moves.

The team has been linked to Pete Alonso on a rumoured four-year contract and, surprisingly, to Alex Bregman on a six-year deal. It sounds like more Blue Jays news could be coming soon. I would be happy with either Alonso or Bregman, but I’m also hoping for an announcement regarding a contract extension for Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

We’ll see what happens.