Former Dodgers All-Star Max Scherzer Signing With Blue Jays

The Toronto Blue Jays and starting pitcher Max Scherzer are reportedly in agreement on a one-year, $15 million contract, per MLB insider Jon Heyman. The Los Angeles Dodgers showed some interest in Scherzer this offseason.

The veteran pitcher threw in front of teams at Cressey Sports Performance’s pro day last week and the Dodgers were reportedly in attendance. However, the Blue Jays have been pursuing Scherzer for weeks and now he joins the Toronto rotation.

This isn’t the first time the Dodgers and Blue Jays have been interested in the same free agent this offseason. Both teams were reportedly linked to outfielder Anthony Santander before the Dodgers re-signed Teoscar Hernández.

Then, the Dodgers and Blue Jays were Roki Sasaki’s final suitors. Toronto outlasted the San Diego Padres in the Sasaki sweepstakes, a testament to the organization which was considered the dark horse in the race.

Though the Blue Jays lost out on the crown jewel of the 2024-2025 international signing class, Toronto snagged one of the biggest starting pitcher names on the market.

Scherzer, 40, is entering his 18th MLB season as an eight-time All-Star and three-time Cy Young award winner. He made just nine appearances in 2024 with the Texas Rangers, producing a 3.95 ERA and punching 40 strikeouts in 43.1 innings pitched.

In 2021, Scherzer joined the Dodgers at the trade deadline in a blockbuster deal with the Washington Nationals, and recorded a 1.98 ERA over the final 11 games.

The Blue Jays reportedly still have interest in signing free agent first baseman Pete Alonso, if he doesn’t return to Queens. If Toronto can also retain Vladimir Guerrero Jr., their roster will be much improved.

Photo Credit: Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images