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Max Scherzer is a free agent, and the San Diego Padres need pitching. Should the Padres consider the veteran pitcher?
With just two months left until MLB Opening Day and with Spring Training just around the corner, the Padres are still looking to solidify their starting rotation.
The Friars get back one of their aces Joe Musgrove. While Musgrove joins top rotation guys Nick Pivetta and Michael King, the bottom of San Diego’s staff remains in flux. With Yu Darvish injured and out for the 2026 season, the Padres possess two spots in the rotation that are not yet crystal clear yet.
Right-handed pitcher Randy Vasquez posted career numbers and could be a serviceable fifth piece to the rotation. Jhony Brito, who came over in the Juan Soto trade, returns from injury and may factor. Should Vasquez and Brito round out the rotation, it is newsworthy that three of the Padres five rotation arms would be arms acquired in the Juan Soto trade with the Yankees.
While these are two internal options with decent upside, it seems San Diego is still on the prowl for another starting arm.
The Padres were reportedly interested in Freddy Peralta before the Mets landed him. They were also rumored to have kicked the tires on MacKenzie Gore, who has since been dealt to Texas as part of a five-prospect package. One thing to take from this is clear; A.J. Preller wants to add to the rotation.
One option for the Padres that makes sense is right-handed pitcher Max Scherzer. The 41-year-old Scherzer continues to crank out consistent season year after year, despite his age.
Mad Max has posted a sub 4.01 ERA in 17 of his last 18 seasons and is the embodiment of consistency. The one season he posted an ERA over 4.01 in those 18 seasons was 2025, so that is a concern. Fighting injuries and inconsistency, Scherzer recorded a turbulent season for Toronto in 2025, posting a career high 5.19 ERA.
However, the 41-year-old ace locked in during the post season, providing a serviceable arm for the Blue Jays and posting a memorable 4.1 innings of one run ball in Game 7 of the World Series.
While his numbers have slipped, Scherzer could bring valuable experience and leadership to the rotation. Some time with Ruben Niebla could sharpen the two-time World Series champion into a terrific mid to bottom rotation arm in 2026. A rotation rounding out with Scherzer would be quite deep.
The biggest question is what’s going on in Scherzer’s head and what is the price?
Recent reports state that Scherzer is ready to sign with the “right” team, whoever that may be. He is also willing to hold out and sign later, possibly during the season.
Scherzer will certainly be looking to make a deep post season run with a team this coming season, and the Friars could be an attractive option.
Not only does the relationship make sense practically, but it would also likely be in the range financially for both sides. Scherzer may get around $10-15 million on a one-year deal. This would work for both the Friars and Scherzer. Ultimately, a rotation with Musgrove, Pivetta, King, Scherzer, and Vasquez would be one of the best San Diego has put out in years.
Ultimately, A.J. Preller appears to recognize that the Padres need another arm to keep pace with the Dodgers and the NL West’s other heavyweights. The good news is that he has options. Whether it’s Scherzer or someone else, don’t be surprised if Preller makes a splash before the season gets too deep.
Billy has spent a majority of his life following San Diego sports and worked in San Diego for many years. Now residing in Newport Beach he recently obtained his Juris Doctorate degree from Chapman University and now works as an Associate Personal Injury Attorney. Billy enjoys supporting the Padres and SDFC from Orange County and making the drive down for big games. He is passionate about analytics and writing about sports.
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