Blue Jays' Max Scherzer Development Emerges Before ALCS Against Mariners

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Oct 11, 2025 5:59 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays will face off against the Seattle Mariners on Sunday for Game 1 of the ALCS. After Toronto eliminated the division rival New York Yankees in the ALDS on Wednesday, the club will continue its postseason run at home on Sunday.

With the Blue Jays shifting to a best-of-seven format in the ALCS, the Blue Jays will need to find ways to get more length from their pitching staff. Toronto left both Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt off the previous round’s roster in favor of more trusted relief options, but both could be considered this time. The bullpen was heavily used in the last series, especially with a bullpen day in Game 4, and the added depth could help stabilize the staff over a longer stretch.

Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer (31)© Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

As the ALCS roster decisions near, Toronto’s manager John Schneider shared the latest update on Scherzer’s potential addition. Schneider announced the team is considering both Scherzer and Bassitt to be added to the roster with both feeling good, according to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.

Bassitt had lower back inflammation, which was the primary reason for his absence during the ALDS. Scherzer did not make the roster due to not being a reliable option down the stretch, along with the emergence of rookie Trey Yesavage (Toronto’s ALCS Game 2 starting pitcher). Over the final month of the season, Scherzer posted a 10.20 ERA along with an 0–3 record in four starts.

John Schneider says there's likely room for some more length on the Blue Jays' ALCS roster this time, with Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt both earning consideration for spots. Both feeling good.
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) October 11, 2025

If Toronto decides to add Scherzer, the team will hope the 41-year-old can rise to the occasion as he has for many other organizations during his 18-year career in the big leagues. Scherzer won a championship with the Washington Nationals in 2019 and played a crucial role during their run.

Even if Scherzer is not added to the roster, he has nothing left to prove and his personal accolades indicate he is likely headed to the Hall of Fame. He is a three-time Cy Young Award winner, an eight-time All-Star and a member of the 3,000 strikeouts club, achievements that underscore his place among the game’s elite.

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

More must-reads: