Back
Sports

Max Scherzer Signs One-Year Deal to Return to Toronto Blue Jays

Generated on: Last updated: 1 sources
View source

Blue Jays Ink Max Scherzer to One-Year Deal, Bolstering Rotation

The Toronto Blue Jays have signed veteran pitcher Max Scherzer to a one-year deal, guaranteeing $3 million with potential incentives up to $10 million. This move will create a roster spot by placing Anthony Santander on the 60-day injured list upon contract finalization.

Scherzer's Previous Stint and Performance in Toronto

This marks Scherzer's second season with the Blue Jays. He previously joined the team on a $15.5 million deal during the 2024-25 offseason, following a 2024 season limited to just nine starts for the Texas Rangers due to back surgery and a subsequent nerve issue in his throwing arm.

His 2025 season with Toronto was also plagued by arm issues. Scherzer exited his debut after just three innings due to thumb soreness, leading to a multi-month shutdown. He did not return to MLB play until late June.

Following his return, Scherzer managed to avoid further injured list stints, but his performance significantly declined from previous career levels. He recorded a career-high earned run average (ERA) of 5.19 over 85 innings for the season. Despite allowing more than four runs in only one start, he completed more than five innings in seven of his 17 appearances and registered six quality starts.

The 17-year veteran maintained a league-average strikeout rate of 23% and a 6.4% walk rate. However, hitters caused significant damage on contact, resulting in a career-high home run rate of over two per nine innings. This ranked as the fourth-highest homer rate among MLB pitchers with 70 or more innings pitched. His fastball velocity averaged 93.6 mph, an increase from his 2024 mark, yet he faced challenges in inducing swings at breaking pitches outside the strike zone. Scherzer has now recorded an above-average home run rate for three consecutive seasons.

Veteran Presence and Postseason Impact

At 41 years old, Scherzer is projected as a back-end starter based on his recent performance, but he brings extensive postseason experience. The Blue Jays initially excluded him from their Division Series roster against the Yankees. However, he was added for the AL Championship Series against Seattle and the World Series against the Dodgers, proving his value in high-stakes moments.

In the ALCS, Scherzer pitched 5 2/3 innings, allowing two runs to earn a win in Game 4. During the World Series, he allowed multiple runs in Game 3, then gave up one run in 4 1/3 innings in Game 7, exiting with a 3-1 lead.

2026 Season and Rotation Outlook

For the 2026 season, Scherzer is expected to join a six-man rotation, assuming he is ready for Opening Day. Shane Bieber is anticipated to start the season on the injured list due to forearm fatigue. The previously projected starting five included:

  • Dylan Cease
  • Kevin Gausman
  • Trey Yesavage (entering his first full MLB season)
  • José Berríos
  • Cody Ponce (returning from playing in Korea)

Scherzer is not expected to pitch over 150 innings, making a six-man rotation beneficial for managing the workload of the entire pitching staff.

Bullpen Implications and Eric Lauer

Implementing a six-man rotation would reduce the bullpen to seven pitchers due to the 13-pitcher limit. This elevates the importance of long relievers such as Eric Lauer to cover multiple innings.

A six-man rotation significantly decreases Lauer's likelihood of securing a starting rotation spot. Lauer, an impending free agent, has expressed a clear preference for a starting role. He stated to Mitch Bannon of The Athletic that his bullpen role last season impacted his arbitration earnings, resulting in a $4.4 million salary rather than his requested $5.75 million.

Financial Impact and Luxury Tax

The $3 million base salary will reportedly increase the Blue Jays' luxury tax payroll to approximately $319 million, setting a new franchise record, according to RosterResource. The team incurs a substantial 90% tax rate on expenditures exceeding $304 million. This signing adds a $2.7 million base tax, with any performance bonuses also subject to the 90% tax if earned.

Jon Heyman of The New York Post initially reported the agreement, with Shi Davidi of Sportsnet providing the specific details on the $3 million base and $10 million in incentives.