Former Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer gives unfortunate update on his future

Ken Rosenthal's latest note on Scherzer landed Friday, and it was not the usual hot stove fluff.

The report says Scherzer feels healthy, ready to sign immediately, but also open to waiting past Opening Day for the right fit.

That's a fascinating stance for a 41-year-old, because most veterans want a full camp and a clean routine.

Scherzer is basically admitting he'll trade comfort for context, meaning contender, role, and people he trusts.

It also seems like Scherzer does not seem to be getting much attention on the free agent market which is keeping his hands tied for right now.

His 2025 line with Toronto was uneven on paper, 17 starts, a 5-5 record, 5.19 ERA, 85.0 innings, 82 strikeouts, and a 1.29 WHIP. Those numbers are real, and they explain why teams might lowball while still dreaming on the upside.

The contract angle matters too, because Scherzer just played on a one-year, $15.5 million deal. If he's shopping again, it screams short term, incentives, and a club that can live with risk.

Rosenthal has also connected Scherzer to the San Francisco Giants, largely because of his relationship with new manager Tony Vitello from his Missouri days. That doesn't lock anything in, but it frames the kind of «preferred team» logic behind waiting.

From Toronto's perspective, the bigger takeaway is how the market treats aging arms with a famous name.

If Scherzer can afford patience, other mid-tier starters will use the same leverage, and prices can stay stubborn longer than fans expect.

Scherzer was a first-round pick, 11th overall back in 2006, and he has never been subtle about competing. If a contender calls late, he'll believe he can still flip a season in two months, and honestly, he's earned that swagger.

Now it's a waiting game, and the next milestone is which front office blinks first, the one chasing upside, or the one demanding certainty.