The Toronto Blue Jays have added a veteran ace to their starting rotation.
MLB Network's Jon Heyman reported Thursday that the Blue Jays are signing right-handed pitcher Max Scherzer to a one-year deal worth $15.5 million.
Scherzer deal: $15.5M https://t.co/N3yHIdAcbB
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) January 30, 2025
At 40 years old, Scherzer was one of the top remaining starting pitchers available in free agency.
Scherzer battled injuries all season long with the Texas Rangers in 2024. He underwent back surgery in the offseason, worked through a thumb issue and returned to the mound in June before a shoulder injury sidelined him again. In all, Scherzer logged a 3.95 ERA and 40 strikeouts in nine starts for the Rangers.
Over 17 seasons, Scherzer has logged a 216–112 record with a 3.16 ERA while winning three Cy Young awards, two World Series titles and earning eight All-Star nods. He has proven to be durable in the later years of his career, making 30, 23 and 27 starts the three years prior to '24 before he ran into injury issues.
Scherzer now bolsters a talented rotation in Toronto, joining Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios, Chris Bassitt and Bowden Francis. The Blue Jays' rotation was in the middle of pack last year, registering a 3.95 ERA, which ranked 14th in baseball.
Toronto has been in the mix to sign just about every notable MLB free agent this offseason, including Juan Soto and Corbin Burnes. Now, the Blue Jays finally landed one of their targets as they look to rebound from a disappointing 74–88 season.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Blue Jays to Sign Max Scherzer to One-Year Contract.
