"It's been a wacky month for 2025 Toronto Blue Jays pitchers. Kevin Gausman is openly pondering retirement. Chris Bassitt, now a member of the Baltimore Orioles, still isn't over the team's World Series loss. José Berrios continues to apologize for abandoning the team during their postseason run. And now, Max Scherzer is reportedly close to returning to Canada for one final swan song in 2026."
"While nothing is finalized, the Blue Jays' talks with Max Scherzer have gotten more serious in the last week per industry sources.Other clubs in mix but Blue Jays now appear to be his most serious pursuer on a possible one-year deal. More @Sportsnet soon.- Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) February 20, 2026 Last month, Scherzer made it clear that, while he planned to return for the 2026 season, he was in no rush to sign. Knowing that this upcoming campaign is likely his last, he was prioritizing starting opportunities with contending ballclubs. With Shane Bieber (and Bowden Francis) now on the mend, it appears that opportunity has opened back up in Toronto."
"Though he may not be the "Mad Max" of old, Scherzer can still pitch. He posted a 3.77 ERA across three postseason starts with the Jays last year, a notable improvement over his injury-fueled 5.19 ERA in the regular season. His contact management skills remain superb and he rarely invites unwanted traffic on the basepaths with walks or non-competitive pitches."
Kevin Gausman is openly pondering retirement, Chris Bassitt remains affected by the World Series loss, and José Berrios has apologized for leaving during the postseason. Max Scherzer is reportedly close to returning to Canada for the 2026 season, with Blue Jays talks intensifying and other clubs also interested. Scherzer plans to return but prioritized starting opportunities with contenders, and the Blue Jays' recent injuries created an opening. Scherzer posted a 3.77 ERA across three postseason starts with Toronto, showing improved performance and strong contact management despite an uneven regular season.
Read at Jays Journal
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