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Blue Jays looking at big risk in signing veteran to replace Max Scherzer
Photo credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
The Toronto Blue Jays are unfortunately losing both Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt in free agency, and it appears they could have their sights set on a 42 year old Justin Verlander, a decision that could be very costly if age starts to catch up with the former San Francisco Giant.
The Blue Jays have been looking at plenty of options when it comes to pitchers for next season but going after someone of Verlander's age will come with a fair share of problems.
Blue Jays turn to experienced pitching with Justin Verlander.
Patrick McAvoy of Newsweek reported on the potential of the Blue Jays acquiring Verlander in free agency.
If this were 5 years ago everyone would be all for it, but at 42 years old something has to give and it will soon for the former Cy Young and MVP winner.
"Verlander made 29 starts in 2025 with the San Francisco Giants and logged a 3.85 ERA in 152 innings pitched. Although he is 42 years old, he was at his best down the stretch in 2025. He had a 2.60 ERA in his final 13 starts for San Francisco."-McAvoy
The Blue Jays are eying other people before Verlander, like Framber Valdez and Dylan Cease, but they aren't guaranteed to sign with the Blue Jays.
A lot of it also does depend on what Bo Bichette does, because if he doesn't re-sign the Blue Jays will go all in on Kyle Tucker, leaving less room for Valdez and Cease on the pay roll. That's where Verlander could come in handy, but it's still a big risk.
"Though I've predicted (Kyle Tucker) to land elsewhere, this should nevertheless be an active offseason for the Blue Jays. I see Bo Bichette coming back, for sure. Beyond that, I see them spending on a closer and moving Jeff Hoffman out of that prescribed role. Maybe not spending Edwin Diaz money, but perhaps Robert Suarez money?"-McAvoy
The Blue Jays need to be cautious with this move, just because it worked out with Scherzer, doesn't guarantee it will with Verlander. He showed he still has some baseball left in him, but when will it all fall apart?
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 23 | 653 ANSWERS Blue Jays looking at big risk in signing veteran to replace Max Scherzer Is it a bad idea for the Toronto Blue Jays to sign Justin Verlander? | ||
| Yes | 428 | 65.5 % |
| No | 225 | 34.5 % |
| List of polls | ||
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