Max Scherzer is heading back to Toronto after signing a free agent deal with the Blue Jays in the early morning hours Thursday. It’s good news for a team that needs veteran leadership, but here’s the thing – they might not even have a rotation spot for him.
The Blue Jays already had too many arms competing for five spots. Now with Scherzer back in the mix, things just got more complicated.
At first glance, there’s no clear path for the 40-year-old right-hander to get regular starts. But let’s dig into what Toronto’s thinking here.
The Numbers Game
When healthy, the Blue Jays have four locks for the rotation:
- Kevin Gausman
- Dylan Cease
- Shane Bieber
- Trey Yesavage
That leaves two guys battling for the fifth spot – and now Scherzer makes it three.
Most expect Cade Ponce to win that job after signing from Korea this offseason. But Jose Berrios has a strong track record and isn’t going quietly. There’s also lefty Eric Lauer, who pitched well in his starts last season but seems on the outside looking in.
Even if Toronto wanted to go with a six-man rotation – which isn’t common – it’s not guaranteed Scherzer would be part of it.
Why Sign Him Then?
The way I see it, Scherzer’s more about veteran mentoring and insurance than being a lock for the rotation. Would he really sign just to pitch out of the bullpen? Maybe, especially if he values the relationships he built with this pitching group last season.
Most of the same guys are back, so there’s familiarity there.
But here’s the reality – pitching injuries happen all the time in today’s game. Even if Scherzer starts the season without a rotation spot, he’ll probably get his chance at some point.
The intrigue around how they’ll use him makes this signing fascinating. Toronto’s betting on experience and depth, even if the immediate fit isn’t obvious. That’s not necessarily a bad problem to have.
