Blue Jays land 3-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer on 1-year, $15.5M US deal
The Toronto Blue Jays have made a major splash in the offseason by reportedly signing right-handed pitcher Max Scherzer. According to reports from ESPN and the New York Post, the free agent and the Blue Jays have agreed to a one-year deal worth $15.5 million US.
Scherzer, who is 40 years old, spent last season with the Texas Rangers. Despite dealing with injuries that limited his playing time, he still managed to post a 2-4 record with a 3.95 earned-run average and 40 strikeouts. The six-foot-three pitcher hails from St. Louis, Missouri, and boasts an impressive resume as a three-time Cy Young Award winner and a two-time World Series champion, having won with the Rangers in 2023 and the Washington Nationals in 2019.
With a career regular-season record of 216-112, a 3.16 ERA, and 3,407 strikeouts, Scherzer brings a wealth of experience and talent to the Blue Jays’ rotation. He joins a pitching staff that includes Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios, and Chris Bassitt, as well as promising young arms like Bowden Francis and Yariel Rodriguez.
The Blue Jays are looking to bounce back after finishing last in the AL East with a 74-88 record in 2024. The team has struggled in the playoffs in recent years, failing to win a postseason game since 2016. However, with the addition of Scherzer and the recent signing of outfielder Anthony Santander to a $92.5 million, five-year contract, the Blue Jays are hoping to turn their fortunes around.
In addition to their recent acquisitions, the Blue Jays have been active in pursuing top talent. They made a strong push for Shohei Ohtani last year and were in the running for Juan Soto before he signed with the New York Mets. The team was also a finalist for Japanese pitcher Roki Sasaki before he joined the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Overall, the addition of Max Scherzer is a significant move for the Toronto Blue Jays as they look to improve their pitching staff and compete for a playoff spot in the upcoming season. Fans are eagerly anticipating seeing Scherzer take the mound in a Blue Jays uniform and help lead the team to success on the field.
