New MLB Rumors on Max Scherzer, Blue Jays Contract Talks Amid 2026 Spring Training

The Toronto Blue Jays' contract negotiations with free-agent starter Max Scherzer have gotten "more serious," according to Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith.

Toronto appears to be Scherzer's "most serious pursuer" despite other potential suitors still being in the mix for his services, per Nicholson-Smith.

The 41-year-old appeared in 17 games with the Blue Jays during the 2025 season.

Scherzer missed time towards the beginning of the year due to right thumb inflammation and struggled to make a consistent impact after his eventual debut, posting a 5-5 record and a 5.19 ERA to go along with 1.294 WHIP.

It's worth noting that the three-time Cy Young Award winner looked a bit more like his former self during Toronto's playoff run that ended with a World Series defeat at the hands of the Los Angeles Dodgers.

In three postseason starts, Scherzer compiled a 3.77 ERA while opposing batters hit just .235 against him.

Nicholson-Smith reported Friday that if the Blue Jays were to sign the veteran, they could take a patient approach with his availability and have him ramp up gradually before being ready in "late April or May."

Toronto already made a major addition to its pitching staff during the offseason, handing Dylan Cease a seven-year contract worth $210 million in Nov. 2025.

Cease is joining a Blue Jays rotation that includes Kevin Gausman, Trey Yesavage, José Berríos, Cody Ponce and Eric Lauer. Shane Bieber will also suit up after the 2026 season begins while he recovers from right forearm inflammation.

As Toronto looks to add pitching depth and gear up for another postseason run, the team seems to be focused on a reunion with Scherzer.