Max Scherzer Toronto Blue Jays speculation

The Toronto Blue Jays' offseason rumor mill received an unexpected jolt recently, all thanks to three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer and a few carefully chosen words. The ace right-hander, currently under contract with the Texas Rangers through 2024, sparked a frenzy of speculation among Blue Jays fans after a postgame interview in which he was asked about “unfinished business in Toronto.” Scherzer’s answer, peppered with pronouns like “we” and “our,” has some wondering if the legendary pitcher might have inadvertently hinted at a future in Canada.

The question posed to Scherzer came on the heels of a dramatic late-season series at Rogers Centre. The Rangers visited Toronto in mid-September 2023 for a critical four-game set with major playoff implications. Scherzer started one of those games on September 12, pitching 5 1/3 scoreless innings against the Blue Jays before a strained teres major muscle in his right shoulder forced him from the mound. The Rangers won the game and ultimately swept the series, but Scherzer’s early exit left a feeling of what could have been.

So when a reporter asked the 39-year-old if he had “unfinished business in Toronto,” his response instantly became offseason fodder. In a video of the interview shared by Sportsnet, Scherzer responded in a measured tone, yet fans zeroed in on his curious choice of words:

“You know, we came in here with some goals and we didn’t get to finish the job... Our team had high expectations for this series. We love the energy from our fans here. There’s definitely some unfinished business...”

While Scherzer was almost certainly referring to his then-team, the Texas Rangers, Blue Jays supporters couldn't help but latch onto the language. The clip quickly went viral, with one popular post on a Blue Jays fan forum capturing the excitement: “Max Scherzer is asked if there’s unfinished business in Toronto. He sure said WE and OUR a lot. Did he tip his hand?”

The suggestion sent fans into a tizzy, with social media lighting up with reactions, memes, and photoshopped images of Scherzer in a Blue Jays uniform.

A History of Near Misses and Mutual Interest

This isn't the first time the Blue Jays have been linked to Max Scherzer. Toronto’s front office, led by GM Ross Atkins, has developed a reputation for pursuing big-name players.

• 2019-2021 Free Agency Rumors: In the 2021 offseason, reports indicated the Blue Jays were among the teams making a strong push for the ace. Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith reported that the Jays were “in dialogue” with representatives for every big-name starter, including Scherzer. Ultimately, Scherzer signed a record-breaking three-year, $130 million contract with the New York Mets, but not before Toronto reportedly made a competitive offer.

• 2023 Trade Deadline Talks: As the Mets’ 2023 season faltered, Scherzer’s name again surfaced in Blue Jays circles. MLB Network’s Jon Morosi speculated that the Blue Jays could be a dark-horse suitor due to their need for a frontline starter and willingness to take on large contracts.

In the end, Scherzer waived his no-trade clause to join the Texas Rangers, who acquired him on July 30, 2023, in a blockbuster deal. As part of the trade, Scherzer agreed to opt into the final year of his contract for 2024. The move paid off for Texas, as Scherzer helped the Rangers clinch a postseason berth and eventually win the 2023 World Series, giving him the second championship ring of his career.

Blue Jays’ Quest for an Ace

Toronto’s interest in an ace-caliber pitcher is hardly surprising. The 2023 rotation was fronted by the brilliant Kevin Gausman, with strong campaigns from José Berríos and Chris Bassitt. However, the struggles of Alek Manoah left a hole at the top of the rotation. The Blue Jays could use another elite arm to match up with American League rivals.

The front office has shown it’s willing to pay for top-tier talent:

• In 2019, they signed Hyun-Jin Ryu to a four-year, $80 million deal.
• After the 2021 season, they invested $110 million over five years in Kevin Gausman and extended José Berríos for seven years and $131 million.
• Reports also indicated the Blue Jays were aggressive suitors for Justin Verlander in the 2022-23 offseason before he chose the Mets.

Scherzer, 39, remains one of baseball’s premier pitchers. He is an eight-time All-Star, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, and a proven postseason performer. His career accolades and fiery competitiveness would be a transformative addition to a Blue Jays team that hasn't won a World Series since 1993.

Scherzer’s Current Contract and the Trade Equation

Before fans get too excited, a reality check is in order. Scherzer is not a free agent; he’s under contract with the Texas Rangers for the 2024 season at a salary of $43.33 million. The only way for Toronto to acquire him before 2025 would be via trade.

Several factors complicate a potential deal:

• No-Trade Clause: Scherzer has full no-trade rights, meaning he must approve any destination.
• Texas Rangers’ Plans: As defending World Series champions, the Rangers will likely be reluctant to part with their ace unless their 2024 season goes poorly.
• Financial Considerations: While Scherzer’s salary is enormous, the Mets agreed to cover a significant portion as part of the 2023 trade, leaving his new team on the hook for a more manageable amount. This could make a trade more palatable for a team like Toronto.

If Scherzer hits free agency after the 2024 season, the Blue Jays could pursue him on the open market. By then, he will be 40, but pitchers like Justin Verlander have proven that elite arms can defy age.

What’s Next?

For now, Max Scherzer remains a Texas Ranger, and the Blue Jays will explore more conventional options to upgrade their roster. The “unfinished business in Toronto” line may end up being nothing more than an amusing footnote in the offseason rumor mill.

Still, the idea of "Mad Max" in a Blue Jays uniform is tantalizing. For a fan base starving for a championship, even an imagined hint from a superstar is enough to dream on during the long winter months. As the 2024 season approaches, all eyes will be on Scherzer and the Rangers. If Texas falls out of contention by mid-summer, expect the trade rumors to swirl again, with Toronto likely at the center of the conversation.