Veteran pitcher Max Scherzer has agreed to a one-year, $15.5 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, sources told ESPN on Thursday. The deal reunites the future Hall of Famer with a team seeking to bolster its rotation after missing on several high-profile free-agent signings.
Scherzer, 40, is coming off an injury-plagued season with the Texas Rangers, where he made just nine starts and posted a 3.95 ERA. He underwent surgery in the offseason to repair a herniated disk in his back but struggled with shoulder fatigue throughout the year.
Despite missing significant time due to injuries, Scherzer remains one of the best pitchers of his generation. He will rely on his control and five-pitch arsenal to navigate the American League East. Scherzer’s fastball took a step back last season, but he still wields an impressive arsenal.
The Blue Jays had pursued several high-profile free agents this winter, including Juan Soto and Corbin Burnes. However, Scherzer’s addition provides a veteran presence that could help the team navigate postseason challenges. He is a future Hall of Famer with eight All-Star appearances and three Cy Young Awards to his name.
Scherzer will undergo a physical before joining the Blue Jays’ rotation. The deal adds depth to Toronto’s staff, which already features veterans Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios, Chris Bassitt, and Bowden Francis.
Source: https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/43629693/sources-blue-jays-reach-deal-free-agent-max-scherzer