Toronto, Jan 31, 2025 — In a significant acquisition, the Toronto Blue Jays have signed three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer to a one-year, $15.5 million contract, according to ESPN’s Jeff Passan. The team hinted at the deal with a tweet featuring two differently colored circles, likely referencing Scherzer’s distinctive heterochromia.
For weeks, Scherzer was a top target for the Blue Jays, who entered the offseason seeking to strengthen their starting pitching. They were among the final contenders for Roki Sasaki, a primary target who ultimately signed with the Dodgers. Jon Heyman of the New York Post also reported the Blue Jays were interested in pitchers Corbin Burnes and Max Fried.
After Sasaki signed with Los Angeles, Toronto pivoted by acquiring a former Dodgers starter. Scherzer, four years removed from his last All-Star appearance and eight years since his most recent Cy Young win, has continued to perform effectively despite transitioning into a journeyman phase of his career.
Health has been Scherzer’s main challenge in recent years. In 2023, he missed significant time due to a back strain but returned to help the Texas Rangers clinch the World Series. However, he was sidelined again before undergoing surgery for a herniated disc. His 2024 season was delayed until June, and he was placed on the injured list twice for shoulder fatigue and a hamstring strain.
Joining a Blue Jays rotation already featuring veterans like Kevin Gausman, José Berríos, and Chris Bassitt, Scherzer was ranked No. 42 on Yahoo Sports‘ MLB free agents list. His addition provides the Blue Jays with a seasoned arm to complement their pitching depth.
Toronto’s offseason moves have been impactful. Alongside Scherzer, the team signed slugger Anthony Santander to a five-year, $92.5 million deal and reliever Jeff Hoffman to a three-year, $33 million contract. Additionally, they acquired second baseman Andrés Giménez, significantly enhancing their infield defense.
The Blue Jays’ ability to secure Scherzer was influenced by the market trend, where veteran right-handers like Alex Cobb, Charlie Morton, and Justin Verlander also agreed to one-year, $15 million contracts. Despite the delay in finalizing Scherzer’s destination, Toronto emerged as the leading contender, finalizing the deal just weeks before spring training.
With power and bullpen needs addressed through Santander and Hoffman, Scherzer now strengthens a rotation that required reinforcement. The addition of Giménez further upgrades the team’s defensive capabilities. While the extension of Vladimir Guerrero Jr. remains a pivotal decision, Toronto has undeniably enhanced multiple aspects of their roster this winter.
As the Blue Jays aim to transform from a last-place finish in 2024 to postseason contenders, Scherzer’s health will be crucial. If the veteran pitcher remains healthy, the rotation—featuring Gausman, Berríos, Bassitt, and Scherzer—could become one of the strongest in the American League. Additionally, Bowden Francis’ unexpected second-half performance last season adds optimism. However, uncertainties remain as Scherzer, turning 41 in June, has only made nine starts in 2023 and continues to battle various injuries.
The Blue Jays’ comprehensive offseason efforts position them as a team to watch in the upcoming MLB season, with Scherzer’s experience and skill potentially leading the way.