Max Scherzer Landing Spots: 3 top teams suited for legendary pitcher after short Blue Jays stint

Max Scherzer didn’t join the Blue Jays for a long stay. It was always a short deal. When Toronto signed the 41-year-old to a one-year, $15.5 million contract before the 2025 season, the idea was obvious: add a veteran pitcher who knows how to handle playoff pressure.

Injuries slowed him early, and his regular-season numbers reflected that. He made 17 starts, threw 85 innings, struck out 82 batters, and finished with a 5.19 ERA and 1.29 WHIP.

Not his best work, but also not a big shock, it was from a 40-year-old pitcher shaking off rust, not a young arm breaking down. The real headline came later. In the postseason, Scherzer made three starts for Toronto, threw 14.1 innings, and dropped his ERA to 3.77.

Scherzer is one of baseball’s most decorated pitchers: 221 career wins, 3,489 strikeouts, 8 All-Star selections, 3 Cy Young awards, and a World Series title in 2022. He’ll likely sign another short contract with a team that wants to win now.

If teams want him as an experienced starter or mentor who throws 5-6 innings and sets a standard in the clubhouse, these three make the most sense.

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1. Baltimore Orioles

Baltimore has a very good, young offense. Their pitching needs help. They used too many starters last season and never had that calm veteran who stops a losing streak.

Scherzer gives them a trusted starter who can open games, throw strikes and show young pitchers what a real MLB week looks like: prepare, pitch, repeat.

Their park now plays a little better for pitchers than before, so a short deal with Scherzer is a solid bet.

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2. San Diego Padres

San Diego just lost Dylan Cease, and Yu Darvish is expected to miss 2026, leaving their rotation short on experienced arms.

Petco Park is bigger and cooler than most stadiums, which helps pitchers who allow fly balls.

Scherzer won’t be asked to be their No. 1, just to start games, keep runs low, and hand games over to the bullpen. This is exactly the kind of short deal the Padres like to make.

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3. Cincinnati Reds

The Reds are young and exciting but light on proven pitching. Scherzer can come in, make starts, stop bad stretches, and bring some respect to the mound every fourth or fifth day.

Their bullpen is already decent, and Scherzer would fill the one thing they don’t have enough of: A veteran who’s pitched deep into meaningful seasons before.