Max Scherzer could end up replacing Justin Verlander in San Francisco next season, creating an interesting swap between two future Hall of Famers.
Both veteran right-handers are hitting free agency after one-year deals that produced mixed results. Verlander went 4-11 with a 3.85 ERA in 152 innings for the Giants, while Scherzer posted a 5.19 ERA across 17 starts and 85 innings with Toronto.
The numbers tell different stories about where each pitcher stands. Verlander’s record looks rough, but that ERA suggests he pitched better than his win-loss total indicates. He also found his groove in the second half, which should help his market.
Scherzer’s season with the Blue Jays didn’t go as planned. That $15.5 million investment hasn’t paid off, and Toronto seems ready to move on.
What makes this potential swap interesting is the Giants’ familiarity with what they’re getting. They know Verlander’s routine, his workload capacity, and how he fits in their clubhouse. But they also saw his limitations at age 41.
Scherzer turns 40 in July, so he’s not exactly a youth movement. But his track record speaks for itself – three Cy Young Awards, a World Series ring, and over 200 career wins.
The way I see it, both pitchers are in similar spots. They’re Hall of Fame talents dealing with the realities of age and injury concerns. Teams interested in either one are betting on experience and October pedigree over pure stuff.
From where I’m sitting, Verlander’s stronger 2024 finish gives him a slight edge in the market. But Scherzer’s competitiveness and track record mean he won’t be unemployed long.
According to Bleacher Report’s Tim Kelly, the Giants could be Scherzer’s best landing spot this winter.
“Another twist here is that the Giants—who employed Verlander in 2025—might end up being the best suitor for Scherzer this offseason.”
It’s not hard to see the logic. San Francisco needs rotation depth, and they’re comfortable taking calculated risks on aging stars. They did it with Verlander, and the results were mixed but not disastrous.
Both players signed similar deals last winter – Verlander got $15 million while Scherzer pulled $15.5 million. Expect comparable numbers this time around, assuming both stay healthy through the offseason.
The broader question is how many teams are willing to invest in pitchers on the wrong side of 40. But championship-caliber organizations know that veteran presence and postseason experience can’t be taught.
