This MLB season, free agency proved to be a great equalizer. Whether you are an All-Star, multiple-time Cy Young Award winner, or a future Hall of Famer, the current timing could still sour your tastebuds. And the same is the case for Max Scherzer.
Scherzer, who is a three-time Cy Young Award winner and a future Hall of Fame pitcher, is still a free agent despite his illustrious career. He has proven postseason performances and many other fancy tags, but his future remains uncertain. After a challenging, injury-riddled 2024 season that saw him post a 2-4 record and a 3.95 ERA over just nine starts, questions linger about whether the 40-year-old can still provide the quality innings that contending teams desperately seek.
However, recent reports suggest that Scherzer still has what it takes to be an effective starter. Among the teams rumored to be in the mix for Scherzer’s services, the Toronto Blue Jays have emerged as the frontrunner. They have shown persistent interest for several months. And they still believe adding Scherzer to their rotation would give them a token in the highly competitive AL East.
From Mark Feinsand on the Blue Jays' pursuit of Max Scherzer: “Toronto has been hot for him for about two months,” one source said. “[The Blue Jays] certainly feel like the favorites to get him.” https://t.co/x0WjDQ4iEi
— Ian Hunter (@BlueJayHunter) January 29, 2025
They are planning to pair him with their existing rotation, which features Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios, and Chris Bassitt. With the Blue Jays also entangled in offseason moves, securing Scherzer would be their best chance to return to postseason contention.
As Scherzer weighs his options, considerations extend beyond just financial incentives. At this stage in his career, with over $300 million already earned, joining a contender will likely take precedence over mere monetary factors. If the Blue Jays can enhance their roster further with another impactful player, they may convince Scherzer that they are serious about winning.
Insider Hints Another Contender For Max Scherzer
While the speculation has straight A’s in most of the segment, an MLB insider thinks otherwise. After facing a challenging season with the Texas Rangers, where injuries limited him to just nine starts, Scherzer threw a bullpen session attended by scouts from numerous MLB teams. The buzz surrounding him is notable as he searches for a new team for the 2025 season.
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NEWS: Braves scouts attended Free Agent RHP Max Scherzer’s workout, per @ragazzoreport
— Stripers Report (@StripersReport) January 24, 2025
ESPN’s MLB insider David Schoenfield believes Scherzer is likely to land with the Atlanta Braves, a National League playoff contender. The Braves recently released Charlie Morton, thus leaving a gap in their rotation that Scherzer could fill. With Spencer Strider sidelined following Tommy John surgery, the team is in need of a reliable starter to bolster their pitching depth.
In 2024, the Braves were swept out of the Wild Card round, and they are in dire need of enhancing their competitive edge heading into the new season. The Braves have shown they can make impactful moves, as seen with their successful acquisition of Chris Sale last year. Scherzer, if signed, would not only replace the innings lost with Morton’s departure but could also elevate the team’s performance, particularly if he can stay healthy.
Also Read: Is It The End For Max Scherzer? Analyzing His Last Possible Destinations
