Veteran Max Scherzer agrees to 1-year, $15.5 million deal with Blue Jays: reports
NEW YORK — Mad Max is giving it another go.
Max Scherzer has agreed to a one-year, $15.5 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays, according to multiple reports. The three-time Cy Young Award winner spent last season with the Texas Rangers, however, a shoulder injury cut his season to nine starts.
The right-hander was still somewhat effective in 2024 during limited action as he owned a 3.95 ERA in 43 1/3 innings. However, the recent injuries combined with his decline in stuff led to a one-year prove-it deal for the 40-year-old. Scherzer’s average fastball velocity registered at a career-low 92.5 mph.
The former Met received consideration from several teams as he reportedly threw a bullpen session in front of at least eight teams this offseason.
“When I’m out there, I’ve been able to compete,” Scherzer told the Dallas Morning News in August. “I look at things like my slider, which I went into the season wanting to fix, and it’s been really good. I still see myself as able to compete and win.”
Now he will try to rejuvenate his career in Toronto.
After being finalists for virtually every top free agent to hit the market in recent years, the Blue Jays have finally found a few to take their money. Scherzer joins outfielder Anthony Santander and reliever Jeff Hoffman as the splashes made by Toronto this offseason.
Scherzer will slide into the middle of the Jays’ rotation led by Jose Berrios and Kevin Gausman, creating a formidable trio on paper. Toronto has attempted to shake up the landscape of the AL East with its recent flurry of moves. The Yankees still remain comfortably above the competition, however, should Vladimir Guerrero Jr. continue his dominance and Bo Bichette work a bounce-back season, the Jays could soon become a dark horse to make noise.
And they may not be done.
The Blue Jays are still reportedly showing interest in former Mets star Pete Alonso as they’d likely move Guerrero to third base in order to make the fit work. Toronto finally saw a few signings drop and now it’s shaping up to be a respectable offseason for the playoffs hopefuls.
