Veteran right-hander Max Scherzer has signed a 1-year, $15.5 million contract with Toronto Blue Jays. Scherzer will be entering his 17th season in MLB as one of the best starters, and he is expected to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. He’s been recognized for his success as a league leader, where he dominated, ranking first in wins four times, strikeouts three times, and innings twice. In addition, his career has demonstrated a strong ability to strikeout batters, ranking 11th all-time in strikeouts. In 2021, he became the 19th pitcher in MLB history to reach 3,000 strikeouts. Scherzer currently sits at 3,407 strikeouts and has passed Justin Verlander for the lead in strikeouts among active pitchers.
Toronto Blue Jays Sign Maz Scherzer
Scherzer will provide the Blue Jays with a veteran arm to help stabilize their rotation. He is a high-upside addition who comes in 2025 as a leader for the younger core. His career ERA of 3.15 ranks him 18th on the all-time list. Injuries impacted Scherzer’s 2024 season. He started the season on the injury list, recovering from back surgery. He also dealt with a shoulder and hamstring injury. His 2-4 record and 3.95 ERA don’t reflect the ace we are all familiar with.
Toronto won’t get the high-profile pitcher that Scherzer was in 2010 with the Detroit Tigers. But they will get a veteran who will be looking to give all he has left as he looks to still provide value at the age of 40. Nicknamed “Mad Max” for his aggressive approach on the mound. This can also be highlighted through his five consecutive All-Star selections with the Washington Nationals from 2015 to 2019. Throughout his career, he has been an All-Star eight times.
In 2023 he split time between the New York Mets and the Texas Rangers. He sported a 13-6 record with a 3.77 ERA and 174 strikeouts. In addition, despite Scherzer’s injury-prone 2024 season, he was one of the highest-paid MLB players when it came to endorsements banking $2 million. We haven’t seen the last of Scherzer and we could see him for a few more seasons as some pitchers have been able to pitch into their forties. This past season, Rich Hill pitched at the age of 44 years old.
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