The future of baseball legend Max Scherzer is up in the air, and the question on everyone's lips is: which team will he sign with next?
Let's rewind to the 2025 World Series, where Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young winner, showcased his skills in Game 7. Despite a solid performance, his team couldn't hold the lead, leaving fans and analysts wondering what could have been.
But here's where it gets interesting...
Scherzer's 2025 season with the Toronto Blue Jays was a rollercoaster. A recurring nerve issue in his thumb, which had plagued him for several seasons, resurfaced early on, landing him on the injured list after just one start. While he managed to recover and stay healthy for the remainder of the season, his stats didn't quite match his reputation.
His earned run average (ERA) for the season was a career-high 5.19, and he only managed six quality starts out of 17 appearances. However, his strikeout and walk rates remained impressive, with a 23% strikeout rate and a 6% walk rate, slightly better than the league average for starters.
The issue? Hitters were teeing off against Scherzer, with a career-high home run rate of over two per nine innings. This placed him among the top four in MLB for home run rates among pitchers with 70+ innings pitched.
As he's gotten older and dealt with injuries, Scherzer has had to adapt his approach. His pitches aren't quite as overpowering as they once were, and he's had to challenge hitters more often in the heart of the plate. This strategy has led to some home run troubles.
Despite these challenges, Scherzer still brings a lot to the table. He attacks the strike zone with a four-pitch mix, including a four-seam fastball that averaged 93.6 mph last season. He finished the year healthy and has a wealth of experience to offer any team, with a 3.78 ERA over 33 career playoff appearances.
At 41 years old, Scherzer has no plans to retire, but he's in no rush to sign either. In a recent interview with The Athletic, he expressed his willingness to wait until the regular season to sign with a team he prefers, indicating he's seeking a legitimate World Series contender.
So, where might Scherzer end up?
A return to the Blue Jays could be an option, especially with Shane Bieber starting the season on the injured list. Toronto has a solid five-man rotation, but bringing Scherzer back could allow them to implement a six-man rotation to manage the workload of Trey Yesavage early on.
The Braves, with their lackluster rotation depth and recent injuries, could be another possibility. The Phillies, who will be without Zack Wheeler to start the year, are also in need of pitching depth.
The Twins might be a long shot, as they're likely not competitive enough for Scherzer's standards, and the Yankees are waiting on the returns of key pitchers Carlos Rodón and Gerrit Cole.
And this is the part most people miss...
Scherzer's decision could have a significant impact on the league. With his experience and leadership, he could be the missing piece for a team on the cusp of greatness.
So, MLBTR readers, where do you think Scherzer will land? Will he return to Toronto, or will he join a new team in pursuit of another World Series ring?
Let us know your thoughts in the comments! Is there a team you think is a perfect fit for Scherzer? Or do you think he should retire and go out on a high note? We want to hear your opinions!
