The Toronto Blue Jays are coming off a disappointing end to their World Series run in 2025, falling to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 7 games. They will look to get back into the playoffs despite the loss of Bo Bichette. Fortunately, key additions such as Japanese infielder Kazuma Okamoto and starting pitcher Dylan Cease in MLB free agency have made that path easier.
The front office also re-signed veteran right-hander Max Scherzer to slot into the backend of the starting rotation. Scherzer is coming off a season that was not up to his standards as he declined with age posting a 5-5 record, 5.19 ERA, 17 games and 82 strikeouts in 85 innings pitched.
However, Scherzer has had an impressive spring and manager John Schneider has named him as one of three players that are his spring training MVP's (h/t Mitch Bannon, The Athletic).
These players include Scherzer, Okamoto and reliever Brendon Little. Scherzer has posted a 1-0 record, 0.00 ERA and nine strikeouts in 13 and 2/3 innings pitched. It is a good sign for a pitcher who is set to turn 42 years old in July.
Scherzer has been an excellent pitcher throughout his 18-year career as he heads into his 19th MLB season and second with the Blue Jays. Scherzer is a three-time Cy Young Award winner having won the award in 2013, 2016 and 2017 for the leagues most outstanding pitcher, winning his first with the Detroit Tigers and others two with the Washington Nationals.
It has been a Hall of Fame career for the former first-round pick by the Arizona Diamondbacks back in 2006 out of the University of Missouri. He excelled in a Tigers uniform early in his career but is most known for his time with the Nationals, helping them win the 2019 World Series.
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In each of his three dominant Cy Young seasons he had at least 240 strikeouts and an ERA below 3.00. He has steadily declined since those phenomenal seasons but is still a quality pitcher who can get hitters out with solid breaking pitches despite not being as over powering with his fastball.
The Blue Jays will lean on Scherzer's veteran experience and his ability to be a good mentor to the younger players. Cease is a good example of using mentorship after coming off a down year posting the highest ERA since his rookie season.
Trey Yesavage had an excellent 2025 postseason and Scherzer taking him under his wing could boost his development as he looks to pitch a full season. If Scherzer can stay healthy and be effective, the Blue Jays chances of reaching the postseason again are high.
