Blue Jays Reportedly In Serious Talks To Bring Back Max Scherzer

The Toronto Blue Jays are interested in bolstering their rotation by bringing back future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer.

Feb. 21, 2026 at 9:19pm

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The Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly in serious talks to bring back veteran pitcher Max Scherzer on a one-year contract. The Blue Jays have dealt with multiple injuries to key pitchers in their rotation and are looking to add more depth, with Scherzer emerging as a top target despite his struggles last season.

Why it matters

Scherzer is a future Hall of Famer who could provide valuable experience and leadership to the Blue Jays' pitching staff, even if he is not the dominant ace he once was. Adding Scherzer could help the Blue Jays weather the storm of early-season injuries and keep them competitive in the tough American League East division.

The details

The Blue Jays improved their rotation this offseason by signing Dylan Cease to a seven-year contract, but they lost Chris Bassitt in free agency and have dealt with injuries to Shane Bieber, Bowden Francis and Yimi García. Scherzer struggled with a 5.19 ERA in 17 regular season starts for the Blue Jays last year, but stepped up in the postseason. The three-time Cy Young winner and eight-time All-Star may not be as dominant as he once was, but he could still provide value to the Blue Jays if they can sign him to a one-year deal.

  • Earlier this offseason, Scherzer told The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal that he was willing to wait for the right situation before signing with a team.
  • In the last week, the Blue Jays' talks with Scherzer have gotten more serious per industry sources.

The players

Max Scherzer

A future Hall of Famer and three-time Cy Young Award winner who struggled with a 5.19 ERA in 17 regular season starts for the Blue Jays last year, but stepped up in the postseason.

Dylan Cease

A starting pitcher the Blue Jays signed to a seven-year contract this offseason to bolster their rotation.

Shane Bieber

A Blue Jays pitcher who has dealt with injuries this offseason.

Bowden Francis

A Blue Jays pitcher who has dealt with injuries this offseason.

Yimi García

A Blue Jays pitcher who has dealt with injuries this offseason.

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What they’re saying

“While nothing is finalized, the Blue Jays' talks with Max Scherzer have gotten more serious in the last week per industry sources. Other clubs in mix but Blue Jays now appear to be his most serious pursuer on a possible one-year deal. More soon.”

— Ben Nicholson-Smith, Sportsnet reporter

What’s next

Whether an agreement can be completed between the Blue Jays and Scherzer remains to be seen, but bringing in a former World Series champion like Scherzer could be beneficial for the team as they look to weather early-season injuries.

The takeaway

Adding a veteran like Max Scherzer could provide valuable experience and leadership to the Blue Jays' pitching staff, even if he is not the dominant ace he once was. The Blue Jays are clearly interested in bolstering their rotation depth, and Scherzer could be a key piece if they can finalize a one-year deal.