TORONTO — Max Scherzer is now a member of the Toronto Blue Jays and is optimistic about his chances of clinching a World Series title with his new team, adding to his previous championships with the Washington Nationals and Texas Rangers. The veteran pitcher, now 40 years old, expressed his enthusiasm during a news conference, stating, “Winning cures everything,” just days after finalizing his one-year contract worth $15.5 million. He believes that having the determination to win is essential for success.
Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award recipient, had a challenging season last year, finishing with a record of 2-4 and a 3.95 ERA during his time with the Rangers. His 2023 season was impacted by injuries, including a stint on the injured list to recover from lower back surgery and later for shoulder fatigue. He also couldn’t pitch in the closing weeks of the season due to a hamstring strain. Fortunately, he now feels fit and ready for the upcoming season. “I’m looking to come in here into spring training at full tilt,” he mentioned, referring to his current training routines.
In joining the Blue Jays, Scherzer will be part of a starting rotation that is expected to consist of key pitchers such as José Berríos, Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, and Bowden Francis. Scherzer underscored the importance of a solid starting rotation, stating, “The backbone of any team is always the starting rotation. Without dependable starters, even strong offensive teams can struggle.”
His knowledge about the Blue Jays was informed by conversations he had with teammates, including Bassitt from their time as New York Mets and assistant hitting coach Hunter Mense, whom he played alongside at the University of Missouri. Through these discussions, Scherzer gained insights into the Blue Jays’ culture and organization, ultimately determining that it would be a good match for him.
Considering his family, who reside in Florida, Scherzer appreciated the geographical convenience of playing for the Blue Jays, particularly as he wanted to remain on the East Coast. “It makes it very easy to get back and forth, be able to see them,” he noted regarding the balance between his family life and professional commitments.
Statistically, Scherzer boasts an impressive career record of 216 wins and 112 losses, accompanied by a 3.16 ERA and 3,407 strikeouts across 2,878 innings over 17 seasons. Despite a noticeable decline in average fastball velocity—from 94.7 mph in 2020 to 92.5 mph in the previous season—he believes he still possesses the skills needed to perform at a high level, stating, “It’s not about throwing 98. If you can throw 94, 95, you can get a lot of people out.”
Scherzer has expressed skepticism regarding the overwhelming amount of pitching analytics. “There’s too much data actually,” he commented. He emphasized the importance of understanding his own capabilities rather than solely depending on data; he believes that while some statistics can be useful, many others may not provide beneficial insights.
Lastly, while Scherzer prepares for this new chapter in the AL East—having previously spent nearly a decade in the NL East—he acknowledges the intense competitiveness of the division. “When you’re in a highly competitive division, that only makes you better. It makes you battle-tested,” he stated confidently.
In other news, negotiations regarding a long-term contract for star first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. are still ongoing. The 25-year-old player, a four-time All-Star, has expressed that he will not discuss a long-term deal once the team begins full-squad workouts on February 18. Currently, he is under a one-year contract worth $28.5 million and has the opportunity to become a free agent following the World Series. Blue Jays general manager Ross Atkins reassured reporters that the team is eager to retain Guerrero for the long haul, saying, “You all know our desire to have him here for a long time, and we’ll continue to work towards that.”
