Heyman: Max Scherzer Back on Blue Jays’ Radar

[Leo Morgenstern]

Last week, Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman of the New York Post reported that the Toronto Blue Jays were interested in signing Framber Valdez, shortly before the All-Star left-hander inked a three-year, $115 million contract with the Detroit Tigers.

After Valdez signed with Detroit, Heyman noted that Max Scherzer was "back on [Toronto's] radar." He also wondered if the Jays might pursue Zac Gallen or Chris Bassitt, though only the link to Scherzer was more than speculative. 

Adding another starting pitcher would further complicate an already overcrowded rotation picture. The Blue Jays might have been willing to do that for Valdez, but none of Gallen, Bassitt, or Scherzer is the same calibre of pitcher. It's no guarantee any of them would be an upgrade over Toronto's internal options. 

However, Scherzer has expressed a willingness to wait to sign until after Opening Day (per The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal). So, at least it makes sense why the Jays are staying in touch with the three-time Cy Young winner. They might not have a job for him right now, but Scherzer could be a nice backup plan if any of Toronto's other starting pitchers suffer injuries in the next few months.

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[Stangstag]

I’d be fine with Scherzer back for like… 8mil or less? But only as long as he isn’t taking a spot away from any of the current 6 starters.

Dude is washed, could be decent depth and a mentor to have around but he shouldn’t be guaranteed a spot anywhere.

[Eat My Shatkins]

Good depth piece for sure, but Max isn't going to AAA so it doesn't make much sense unless he's going to sit out until injuries pile up or there are already some more injury concerns we don't know about.

[John_Havok]

I doubt he ever left their radar, but ... I'd take him back as a reliever who they could then pop in to the rotation for a few starts if needed. 

Scherzer the psycho as a reliever has some decent upside potential. 

[Laika]

Only really interested if he's cheap and will be going on the 60 day IL until summer for some phantom injury.

[Brownie19]

2 hours ago, Laika said:

Only really interested if he's cheap and will be going on the 60 day IL until summer for some phantom injury.

Agreed.  I don't see the fit personally.

[Stangstag]

4 hours ago, Brownie19 said:

Agreed.  I don't see the fit personally.

Bassitt is a better fit, you know he could at least give you semi-competitive innings when needed. Either from the rotation or the pen.

I’d much rather have Bassit as depth over Scherzer 

[Brownie19]

1 hour ago, Stangstag said:

Bassitt is a better fit, you know he could at least give you semi-competitive innings when needed. Either from the rotation or the pen.

I’d much rather have Bassit as depth over Scherzer 

100%, but I suspect he's commanding more money and he may want a full-time spot on the rotation (those are both assumptions).

[Joltin Joe]

Berrios has bad spring, Max will be back in Toronto 

[jaysblue]

44 minutes ago, Joltin Joe said:

Berrios has bad spring, Max will be back in Toronto 

I think if there are injuries in the rotation - or, as you mentioned, if Berríos struggles this spring - Scherzer is likely more of a contingency plan at this point.