Blue Jays announce Max Scherzer news

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | Last updated Feb 22, 2025 12:30 PM ET

It has been an eventful MLB offseason for the Toronto Blue Jays. While the biggest story was Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Blue Jays' inability to extend him, there were some positive developments for Toronto.

Signing three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer to a one-year, $15.5 million contract in free agency, Toronto bolstered its starting pitching rotation. The 40-year-old Scherzer is not who he was in his prime, particularly from an availability standpoint, but still posted a 116 ERA+ in 17 starts for the Texas Rangers the last two seasons.

Health has been a concern for Scherzer in recent years, as the eight-time All-Star has pitched in just 36 games since the start of 2023.

Seemingly healthy entering spring training, Scherzer was the subject of some good news on Thursday. Per Sportsnet, the Blue Jays have announced Scherzer will make his first spring training start on Tuesday against the St. Louis Cardinals.

"The marquee showcase will be Tuesday against the St. Louis Cardinals, where the Blue Jays will send top acquisition Max Scherzer to the mound in tandem with Jose Berrios," Sportsnet reported.

Early spring Blue Jays starters:

Saturday vs NYY - Easton Lucas
Sunday @ Bos - Yariel Rodriguez followed by Jake Bloss
Monday @ Det - Bowden Francis
Tuesday vs StL - Max Scherzer followed by Jose Berrios
— Shi Davidi (@ShiDavidi) February 20, 2025

Considering Toronto invested $15.5 million into Scherzer for only one season, it is encouraging news that he is currently healthy enough to start games. The two-time World Series champion owns a 3.16 career ERA and ranks second among active MLB pitchers in strikeouts (3,407), trailing only his former Detroit Tigers teammate Justin Verlander (3,416).

Looking to stay healthy after making just nine appearances last season, Scherzer will begin his Blue Jays tenure on Tuesday against St. Louis.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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