On the surface, Max Scherzer and the Giants seemed like an obvious fit this offseason.
However, the 41-year-old starting pitcher ultimately signed a one-year contract to return to the Toronto Blue Jays last week, officially ending speculation about him joining San Francisco’s pitching staff under new manager, and long-time friend, Tony Vitello.
The first-year MLB manager joined “Foul Territory” on Monday and discussed why San Francisco did not pursue Scherzer, a free agent who many thought would land in San Francisco.
“We never really crossed that line … I would always joke with everyone — they would ask — and it’s not like I’m inviting this guy to a Halloween party or a social event,” Vitello said. “Again, it’s got to be a match and there’s contracts and things involved. I just know there was a really good go-back-and-forth between he and the Blue Jays and an immense appreciation for one another.
“It’s not my business to say his deal, but he’s pretty East Coast-flavored right now. Both sets of grandparents are there, they’ve got four kids. It’s a great match, so I’m happy for him.”
Vitello and Scherzer’s relationship dates back to the mid-2000s, when Vitello served as an assistant coach and recruiter at the University of Missouri, where Scherzer played from 2004-06.
The two have remained friends to this day and continue to keep in touch, even after Scherzer re-signed with Toronto.
“The group chat smack talk has already started, but it’s all very lighthearted,” Vitello added.
The Giants entered the offseason with multiple holes in their starting rotation and filled them with veteran arms like Adrian Houser and Tyler Mahle.
It didn’t appear Scherzer, who posted a 5.19 ERA in 85 regular-season innings, and a 3.77 ERA in 14 1/3 playoff innings pitched, was an option.
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