Max Scherzer appears to have a clear idea of where he wants to play for the 2026 MLB season, but it also seems he is willing to wait for a very specific team. He did not mention the Toronto Blue Jays or any other club during a recent conversation with Ken Rosenthal.
āIn a telephone conversation Thursday, free-agent right-hander Max Scherzer said he is healthy and ready to sign at any moment if certain teams call. But if the right opportunity is not available, Scherzer also is content to wait until after Opening Day for an opening to emerge with one of his preferred clubs,ā Rosenthal wrote for The Athletic.
Which team is that preferred club? No one knows for sure. However, considering that Scherzer pitched well for the Rangers in 2024 and won his second World Series ring with them, it would not be surprising if Texas were among the teams he has in mind. That said, with the Blue Jays he also had a chance to return to the postseason, something he missed in 2024.
Scherzer could stay close to home
According to Rosenthalās analysis, Scherzer could prioritize staying near his family, who currently live in Florida. That has led to speculation that the Miami Marlins could be an option, especially since Toronto is far from where his family is based.
āBut he could follow a plan similar to the one Roger Clemens employed in 2007, when he signed with the New York Yankees on May 6 for his age-44 and final season. At this stage of his career, Scherzer can afford to be choosy, remaining at home with his wife, Erica, and four children until he gets the right offer.ā
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Last season, Scherzer finished with a 5.19 ERA across 17 regular-season starts with the Blue Jays. In the postseason, he appeared in three games for Toronto and posted a 3.77 ERA over 14.1 innings. It was not his best year overall, but he still played a key role in helping the team make a deep run.
