Blue Jays' Max Scherzer might have fueled Phillies' latest big-money extension

"Scherzer and Luzardo have never been teammates, but in an article written by Alex Coffey for the Philadelphia Inquirer, Coffey details how Scherzer and Luzardo were gym buddies during the winter of 2024, heading into the 2025 season. From the article, Coffey writes that the two pitchers would see each other almost every day at Cressey Sports Performance in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., where both pitchers train during the winter."

"Scherzer would quiz Luzardo about his game plans about specific teams, especially those in the NL East. Luzardo would take in the conversations, utilize the information and turned it into a successful season in 2025. When a three-time Cy Young award winner and future Hall of Famer is giving you advice, you'd better listen, and Luzardo did."

"He pitched to a 3.9 bWAR with 216 strikeouts in 183.2 innings pitched, and accumulated a 3.92 ERA, while holding opponents to a .240 batting average and getting below league average contact in terms of average exit velocity (87.9) and hard hit percentage (37.4%)."

Max Scherzer, the 41-year-old Blue Jays pitcher and clubhouse leader, provided mentorship to Jesús Luzardo of the Phillies during the winter of 2024. The two pitchers trained together almost daily at Cressey Sports Performance in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, where Scherzer offered guidance on game plans and strategies against NL East opponents. Luzardo applied this advice during the 2025 season, achieving a 3.9 bWAR with 216 strikeouts across 183.2 innings, a 3.92 ERA, and held opponents to a .240 batting average. His defensive metrics were also exceptional, with below-average exit velocity and hard-hit percentages. This successful season led to Luzardo earning a contract extension from Philadelphia.

Read at Jays Journal