Max Scherzer last appeared on the mound during Game 7 of the World Series, where the future Hall of Famer limited the Dodgers to one run on four hits over 4 1/3 innings, leaving the game with a 3-1 lead. Although not at his peak form, Scherzer fulfilled his role, but the bullpen was unable to maintain the advantage. His 2024 season with the Toronto Blue Jays was hampered by a recurring thumb nerve issue, which led to an early stint on the injured list and extended absence through late June.
After recovering from the injury, Scherzer struggled to regain consistent form, delivering just six quality starts in 17 appearances. His earned run average (ERA) rose to 5.19 across 85 innings—the highest mark of his career—reflecting a difficult season for the three-time Cy Young Award winner.
Pitching Metrics Reflect Ongoing Challenges
Despite his struggles, Scherzer maintained solid strikeout and walk rates, striking out 23% of batters and walking 6%, both figures slightly above the league average for starting pitchers. However, the damage came when hitters made contact. Scherzer surrendered more than two home runs per nine innings for the first time in his career, recording the fourth-highest home run rate among MLB pitchers with 70 innings or more.
As Scherzer’s velocity and pitch movement have declined with age and injury, he has depended less on inducing swings outside the strike zone. This change forced him to challenge hitters more directly, often in the strike zone’s heart, despite lacking the overpowering repertoire he once possessed. Such adjustments naturally led to increased home run troubles.
Experienced Presence with a Diverse Pitch Arsenal
Scherzer continues to utilize a four-pitch mix, with his four-seam fastball averaging 93.6 mph last season. Though this is below his career peak, it remains a slight improvement over his recent performance with the Texas Rangers, where he posted a 3.95 ERA in eight starts in 2024. Coming off a healthy season end, Scherzer would bring significant playoff experience and veteran leadership to any major league rotation, boasting a 3.78 ERA across 33 postseason appearances.
Scherzer’s Intentions and Timing for Signing
At 41 years old, Scherzer has openly declared that he does not plan to retire. However, he has not committed to signing before Opening Day. In a late January interview with Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon of The Athletic, Scherzer indicated openness to joining a team at any moment but is willing to wait until the regular season begins to sign with a club he regards as a legitimate World Series contender.
Potential Landing Spots and Team Needs
A return to the Toronto Blue Jays aligns with their rotation needs, especially with Shane Bieber starting the season on the injured list. Toronto’s five-man rotation—featuring Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, José Berríos, and Cody Ponce—alongside Eric Lauer in long relief, suggests that while Scherzer isn’t essential, his addition would allow the team to deploy a six-man rotation. This move could help manage Yesavage’s workload through the early months of the season.
The Atlanta Braves, entering spring camp with limited pitching depth, have already been affected by injuries to Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Phillies will commence the season without Zack Wheeler and are expected to rely on both Taijuan Walker and prospect Andrew Painter to fill rotation spots.
The Minnesota Twins face a probable season-long loss of Pablo López, but questions remain about their competitiveness in Scherzer’s eyes. Texas Rangers feature young pitchers Kumar Rocker and Jacob Latz competing for the fifth starter role; however, Scherzer’s contract demands likely place him beyond their budget. The New York Yankees are anticipating the returns of Carlos Rodón and Gerrit Cole, with Ryan Weathers and Luis Gil projected as the fourth and fifth starters—both carrying minor league options and histories of injuries.
Fan Poll Reflects Wide Range of Speculation
MLB Trade Rumors readers cast 551 votes on where Max Scherzer might sign next, highlighting a variety of teams viewed as potential destinations. The top five choices were:
- Atlanta Braves – 16% (86 votes): The Braves’ rotation challenges and injuries position them as the most popular choice among voters.
- Toronto Blue Jays – 14% (78 votes): Returning to Toronto remains a strong possibility given their rotation depth needs.
- San Francisco Giants – 8% (45 votes): The Giants attract attention as a contender, though the rotation’s exact needs vary.
- Detroit Tigers – 7% (36 votes): Projected as a rebuilding team, yet with some rotation opportunities.
- New York Yankees – 5% (26 votes): With injury risks in their pitching staff, the team is a logical candidate for Scherzer’s veteran presence.
Other teams receiving smaller vote shares include the Phillies, Rockies, Cubs, Padres, and various others each under 4% of the vote.
The Significance of Scherzer’s Choice for MLB Teams
Max Scherzer’s next contract will reveal much about where established veterans fit in today’s MLB landscape, as teams balance youth and experience in tackling long seasons. His blend of playoff success, mentoring ability, and remaining skill makes him an attractive option for contenders seeking durability and depth in their rotation.
The teams that manage to secure Scherzer’s services will gain not only a highly accomplished pitcher but also a seasoned competitor capable of helping mentor younger arms through critical regular-season and postseason moments. As Opening Day looms, Scherzer’s eventual signing will inevitably shape the early dynamics of the 2025 MLB season and the championship aspirations of the involved contenders.
