MLB Rumors: Max Scherzer Interests Blue Jays Amid Pete Alonso, Anthony Santander Buzz

Right-hander Max Scherzer is drawing interest from the Toronto Blue Jays, according to Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet.

The team is also reportedly looking to add a superstar slugger, with names like Pete Alonso and Anthony Santander being considered.

Adding a slugger would make Toronto a more attractive destination for Scherzer, a 40-year-old future Hall of Famer who has spent the last two seasons with Texas, posting a 3.95 ERA and a 1.154 WHIP last season.

The Blue Jays recently missed out on signing superstar Rōki Sasaki, who signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers, despite efforts from players like Bo Bichette, Daulton Varsho and Chad Green, who tried to pitch Toronto to Sasaki last week.

Now, the Blue Jays are shifting gears and focusing on signing Scherzer.

General manager Ross Atkins has been keeping tabs on everyone, with the Blue Jays being linked to several free agents this offseason, per MLB Trade Rumors' Mark Polishuk. Scherzer would be a solid addition to their rotation and offers potential buy-low opportunities given his track record.

Scherzer appeared in just nine games last season with the Texas Rangers, pitching a career-low 43 1/3 innings after undergoing back surgery last offseason. Additionally, the 17-year veteran dealt with a series of injuries, including nerve irritation in his triceps, shoulder fatigue and a hamstring strain, which sidelined him for much of the season, per Polishuk.

In addition to the potential boost from Scherzer, the Blue Jays signed relievers Jeff Hoffman and Yimi Garcia to multiyear deals during the offseason.

Toronto has faced challenges in landing top targets, having experienced very public misses in their pursuits of Shohei Ohtani, Juan Soto, Corbin Burnes, Sasaki and several other high-profile free agents. But now, the team will see if it can potentially land Scherzer.