Toronto Blue Jays and Max Scherzer remain in contact about a potential reunion

The Blue Jays and Max Scherzer have kept regular contact during spring training, but a return is not certain because of roster, role and financial considerations.

The Toronto Blue Jays have been in regular contact with Max Scherzer's representatives during spring training as talks about a possible return continue. A reunion is not assured, partly because adding Scherzer would reshuffle the club's pitching roles and affect payroll calculations. Toronto learned Bowden Francis will miss the 2026 season and that Shane Bieber will begin the year on the injured list, creating clear depth needs. At the same time, Scherzer's likely desire for a guaranteed role and the team's tax position complicate how a deal could fit. What is known: - The Blue Jays and Scherzer's camp have been speaking regularly during spring training, and sources say discussions grew more serious recently. - Re-signing Scherzer would likely require a defined major-league role rather than a minor-league or purely spot-starter arrangement. - Toronto announced Bowden Francis will miss the 2026 season and that Shane Bieber will start the season on the injured list, increasing the club's need for pitching depth. - The club's projected starting group includes Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease, Trey Yesavage, Cody Ponce and José Berríos, with Eric Lauer listed as the primary immediate depth option. - Scherzer threw 85 regular-season innings for Toronto in 2025 with a 5.19 ERA but was noted for leadership and key postseason starts; he has 221 career wins, three Cy Young Awards and two World Series titles. - Any new Scherzer contract would affect the Blue Jays' payroll and could trigger significant luxury-tax penalties; reports note Justin Verlander's recent deal as a market reference. Summary: Adding Scherzer would change Toronto's rotation composition and increase payroll complexity, creating trade-offs for roster construction. Injuries, potential internal moves or trades, and tax penalties are all factors that will shape whether a deal is completed. Undetermined at this time