Max Scherzer was one of the last remaining notable arms left in free agency. The 40-year-old missed most of 2024, thanks to a myriad of injuries. The Blue Jays, in need of one more arm to fill out their rotation, have reportedly signed Max Scherzer to a one-year deal.
A Look at Scherzer
The 2024 campaign was an odyssey for future Hall of Fame pitcher Max Scherzer, who made only nine starts for the Rangers last season. Scherzer missed the start of 2024 recovering from back surgery, then dealt with right shoulder fatigue and a left hamstring strain.
But when healthy, Scherzer looked impressive. The 40-year-old struck out 40 over 43.1 IP, posted an elite 36.4% Chase%, and above-average 29.2% Whiff%. However, all of that was in a small sample size.
It marked Scherzer’s fewest innings logged since 2021, the year where injuries began to accumulate for the righty. He still threw 140+ IP in 2022-23. But, numerous injuries, including back, oblique, and groin problems, have held him back over the last four campaigns.
Scherzer lost some pop on his pitches, namely a nearly one MPH (0.8 MPH) drop in velocity on his four-seamer. However, other metrics, including IVB and changeup movement, were fine compared to where he was in 2023.
The right-hander also deployed strong command, hitting his spots — a plus throughout the career of a right-hander who was known for having a wild delivery in college.
Scherzer has a lot of weapons to his disposal. The righty can effectively change speeds with a good changeup with sink, and differs in speed with the fastball by about 10 MPH. His slider, which had more mean horizontal movement in 2024 compared to 2024, had a 43.8% Whiff.
Additionally, Scherzer can also twist hitters with a good curveball with depth and a cut fastball.
All of those weapons give Scherzer a lot of options, to keep hitters off balance. And, he’s not far removed from a 2023 campaign that saw him strike out 174 over 152 frames. However, the playoffs have not been too kind for Scherzer.
Aside from when threw three scorless against the D-Backs in the 2023 World Series, Scherzer got shelled in the 2023 ALCS and 2022 NL Wild Card Round.
Per MLB.com, the Blue Jays will sign Max Scherzer to a one-year deal worth $15.5MM.
Analysis
Scherzer’s desire to win has largely influenced where’s he wanted to play over the last four seasons. He killed a trade to San Diego thanks to his 10-5 rights but took one to the Dodgers. Then, he signed with the Mets, who won 101 games in 2022, then accepted a trade to Texas in 2023.
His past is a strong indicator that Scherzer believes Toronto can succeed in 2025, a critical year for the team’s franchise. The Blue Jays could lose Bo Bichette and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to free agency, making this one possibly this group’s last chance.
Toronto’s been looking to upgrade, and have done so. The Jays acquired OF/DH Anthony Santander and infielder Andres Gimenez to support Bichette and Vlad Jr. However, getting another pitcher to bolster their rotation has been a hang-up. Toronto was reportedly in on Corbin Burnes but he went to Arizona. And, the team finished runner-up to get Roki Sasaki.
Scherzer’s not a bad fall-back option. When he was healthy, Scherzer was effective. However, his recent run — which has included a bevy of injuries — has been concerning.
Now, the Jays’ 2025 rotation includes Scherzer, Kevin Gausman, breakout performer Bowden Francis, Jose Berrios, and Chris Bassitt — Scherzer’s teammate with the Mets. Alek Manoah underwent an internal brace last June and likely won’t be available until at least mid-season. However, Manoah has stated he’s on the right track and believes he’s regained his mechanics back from 2022.
It’s a strong top-five, with caveats.
The Scherzer signing is one of several notable pitching signings made over the last few days. Relievers Carlos Estevez & Tommy Kahnle are among the relievers who’ve found new teams.