Getty

TORONTO, ONTARIO – NOVEMBER 01: Max Scherzer #31 of the Toronto Blue Jays acknowledges the fans as he exits the game during the fifth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers in game seven of the 2025 World Series at Rogers Center on November 01, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Vaughn Ridley/Getty Images)

The Toronto Blue Jays may be circling back to a familiar and historic option as spring training approaches.

According to reporting from Tom Ruminski of The Score, Toronto has renewed internal discussions about a potential reunion with Max Scherzer. 

Scherzer remains unsigned deep into free agency.

Ruminski noted that the 41-year-old right-hander is “back on the Blue Jays’ radar” after the club made a late push for Framber Valdez before the left-hander ultimately agreed to a deal with the Detroit Tigers.

Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner and future Hall of Famer, has openly pondered retirement after 18 major-league seasons.

But he has also made clear he wants to pitch a 19th year.

This leaves the door open for a return to Toronto, where he played a pivotal role during last season’s World Series run.

Earlier in the offseason, reports surfaced that Scherzer would wait until midseason to return. 

Now, that focus has shifted to potentially signing him before opening day.

Why a Scherzer Reunion Still Makes Sense for Toronto

From a roster-building standpoint, the Blue Jays don’t need Scherzer.

However, his return would add some much-needed depth on a pitching staff that didn’t get its top free agent targets.

With Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber and Dylan Cease at the top of the rotation, Scherzer would add leverage, experience, and October insurance.

Toronto saw firsthand last fall what the veteran brings in high-pressure moments.

Scherzer started Game 7 of the World Series, giving the Blue Jays a chance to clinch a title at home.

He tossed 4.1 innings and only gave up one run while striking out three as the Blue Jays led 3-1 when he exited the mound.

Even at 41, his competitive edge and playoff résumé remain unmatched among available free agents.

For a team trying to get back to where they were, adding another proven playoff arm, especially one who already knows the clubhouse, could be a difference maker come October.

Blue Jays Concerns Around Max Scherzer 

There are, of course, legitimate questions.

Scherzer’s age and mileage can’t be ignored, and the Blue Jays already have younger arms they’re counting on.

Trey Yesavage is expected back and showed ace-level flashes on the game’s biggest stage, while Cody Ponce has been penciled in as the fifth starter.

That’s why any Scherzer deal would likely be short-term and incentive-heavy, designed to minimize risk while preserving upside.

Toronto doesn’t need Scherzer to carry the rotation for six months.

They need him healthy, effective, and available to eat innings when the games matter most.

With spring training nearing and Toronto missing out on Valdez and other top starters, the idea of bringing back Scherzer has resurfaced.

Whether a deal comes before opening day or midseason remains unclear, but the conversation is active again.

More Heavy on Blue Jays

Loading more stories