MLB Rumors: Blue Jays Targeting Future Hall Of Famer Max Scherzer

January 20, 2025 ,

The Toronto Blue Jays have turned their attention to future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer as they look to add their rotation ahead of the 2025 season. 

Injuries to Alek Manoah and top prospect Ricky Tiedemann have left a void in their pitching staff, prompting the team to seek a reliable veteran to join Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, and José Berríos. 

According to Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith, Scherzer has emerged as a target after the Blue Jays missed out on marquee players like Shohei Ohtani, Roki Sasaki, and Corbin Burnes. 

Despite a tough 2024 season with nerve irritation and shoulder fatigue limiting him to 43.1 innings, Scherzer’s resume speaks for itself, with three Cy Young Awards, two World Series titles, and over 3,400 career strikeouts.

Over the last two seasons, he posted a 3.81 ERA and averaged 9.8 strikeouts per nine innings, showing his ability to compete at a high level even at age 40. 

His potential one-year deal, expected to be worth $15–16 million, matches recent contracts for veteran starters like Justin Verlander, making him an intriguing addition without a long-term commitment. 

“Scherzer could bring the stability and leadership this rotation needs,” Nicholson-Smith observed, as Toronto seeks to maintain competitiveness in the highly challenging AL East.

The Blue Jays are also exploring moves for power bats like Pete Alonso or Anthony Santander, which could strengthen their roster and increase their appeal to Scherzer, as some analysts believe it is currently a "tough sell" to bring him to Toronto. 

Photo Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Go To: NFL Rumors | NBA Rumors | NHL Rumors