The Toronto Blue Jays sent shockwaves around baseball after they recruited and signed right-hander Max Scherzer this offseason. The Blue Jays had to prove to Scherzer that winning was a priority in 2025. Toronto’s commitment to returning to the postseason helped emerge in the sweepstakes for the three-time Cy Young winner.
“The way the market shook out, Toronto became a really good fit for me. [I] had some conversations with the front office and wanted to really know: What’s the direction of the team? How do you view 2025?” Scherzer explained on Monday on the Foul Territory podcast. “They came back and said, ‘Hey, we’re in an all-in position. We’re going for it. So that was kind of music to my ears.”
“When they went out there and signed [Anthony] Santander, they showed the commitment that they’re serious about this year and became an options for me.”
Blue Jays pitcher @Max_Scherzer says the team is “all-in” and going for it in 2025 pic.twitter.com/dCLc12pxXD
— Foul Territory (@FoulTerritoryTV) March 3, 2025
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Scherzer also said staying closer to his family on the east coast was a priority in his negotiations.
Blue Jays ‘All-In’ Position Helped Land Max Scherzer
By signing Scherzer, the Blue Jays are looking to benefit from his contributions both on and off the field. After a season with the Texas Rangers hampered by multiple injuries, Scherzer is now focused on regaining his full health and returning to top form.
“The No. 1 concern you have to have about me is the back, but I’ve been pretty good with that and [I’m] physically feeling great because of it,” Scherzer said. “As long as that part is good, I should be going out there and making my starts. If I’m healthy, going out there, I feel like I can still finish at a very high level. ”
Scherzer has struck out eight batters over 5 2/3 innings while allowing two hits and two runs through two starts.
Chris Bassitt Sees Scherzer Elevating Blue Jays
Chris Bassitt praised Max Scherzer’s immense value to the Blue Jays, highlighting his unique ability to elevate not only the starting rotation but the entire pitching staff. Speaking on the JD Bunkis Podcast in February, Bassitt emphasized Scherzer’s exceptional preparation and understanding of the game, qualities that set him apart from most players.
“I think what he’s going to be able to bring to not just the starters, but to the pitching staff and the pitching coaches and things like that, his knowledge is going to really, really help us.”
“He has the ability to retain information at a level that I just don’t think is possible for most players,” Bassitt said of Scherzer’s preparation level. “I just think if you gave most players the information that he has, that he gets, I think it would overwhelm the majority of players. But he’s able to understand the ins and outs of every situation.”
With Scherzer’s experience and preparation, the Blue Jays are not only gaining a seasoned pitcher but a valuable mentor for the entire pitching staff. As Scherzer works through spring training, the Blue Jays’ all-in strategy could be the key to propelling them to new heights in the 2025 season.
Main Photo: © Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
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