The Texas Rangers continue to be mentioned as a sensible destination for experienced pitching this offseason, and another well-known arm from the Toronto Blue Jays is now entering the conversation. After previously being linked to Chris Bassitt, attention has shifted to Max Scherzer, the future Hall of Fame right-hander whose prime may be behind him but whose impact on a competitive rotation could still be meaningful.
Just Baseball’s Cristian Crespo reports that Scherzer is a plausible free-agent departure for Toronto following the Blue Jays’ aggressive spending spree, highlighted by their major acquisition of Dylan Cease. As Toronto reshapes its roster and prioritizes youth in certain areas, veteran pitchers like Scherzer could find themselves expendable creating a potential opening for a return to Texas.
For the Rangers, interest in Scherzer isn’t driven by sentimentality. Instead, it’s about adding stability to a rotation that still has unanswered questions beyond its frontline starters.
Texas already features Jacob deGrom, another future Hall of Famer, but concerns linger about depth and reliability. After deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi, the rotation leans heavily on younger pitchers such as Jack Leiter and others with limited major-league experience. In that context, Scherzer’s role would be clear: not as an ace, but as a steady veteran capable of providing innings, guidance, and competitive consistency.
Scherzer’s 2025 regular season with Toronto was uneven, as a lingering thumb injury restricted him to 85 innings and contributed to a 5.19 ERA. While those numbers raise concerns, the broader picture tells a different story. When the pressure increased in the postseason, Scherzer responded, posting a 3.77 ERA across three playoff starts and taking the mound in Game 7 evidence that his edge and effectiveness in big moments remain.
Texas is particularly well-suited to maximize Scherzer’s remaining value. His familiarity with the organization, market, and expectations from a previous stint reduces uncertainty. Under general manager Chris Young, the Rangers have emphasized pitching depth this winter, and Scherzer aligns with that philosophy.
From a financial standpoint, the fit also makes sense. Any deal would likely be short-term, possibly a one-year contract with incentives, allowing the Rangers to strengthen their rotation without sacrificing long-term flexibility. Additionally, Scherzer’s presence alongside deGrom could offer invaluable mentorship to younger pitchers, fostering an environment built on experience and preparation.
The Rangers don’t need Scherzer to dominate the league they need reliability, competitiveness, and depth. As Toronto continues to adjust its roster and Texas seeks practical upgrades, a reunion with Scherzer appears increasingly realistic. For a team focused on smart, low-risk moves, bringing back “Mad Max” could be one of the most sensible options still available.
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