Max Scherzer's latest connection proves his Toronto era is officially done

Jan 27, 2026 (9:53 PM)

Photo credit: Jonathan Dyer-Imagn Images

Max Scherzer being linked to the Kansas City Royals is the final nail in the coffin for his brief, chaotic tenure with the Toronto Blue Jays.

The future Hall of Famer is currently sitting on the free agent market like an expensive antique that nobody has space for.

After a 2025 season defined by IL stints and "load management," it appears Ross Atkins is finally ready to move on.

Scherzer's performance in the postseason was admirable-posting a 3.77 ERA over 14.1 innings-but the regular season was a grind.

Now, Bleacher Report is suggesting the Royals are the "surprise fit" for the 41-year-old mercenary.

Toronto has already pivoted to a younger, more durable model by signing Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce.

Keeping Scherzer around as a "clubhouse leader" is a luxury this roster can no longer afford.

His "bulldog" mentality is legendary, but paying premium prices for 120 innings (if you're lucky) is bad business.

The future hall of famer also recently stated that he does not mind waiting for the right offer to come in even if that means after the 2026 season has begun.

Fans respected the effort he gave during the World Series run, but the nostalgia ends there.

Kansas City is desperate for a veteran presence to stabilize a rotation that collapsed down the stretch last year.

Let them pay the "Scherzer Tax" while the Jays focus on arms that can actually survive 162 games.

With Kevin Gausman, José Berrios, and Cease locked in, the rotation needs reliability, not a medical miracle.

Scherzer will go down as one of the greatest to ever do it, but his time as a Blue Jay should be remembered as a cameo, not an era.

If he signs with the Royals, expect him to be dominant in April and watching from the dugout in September.

Atkins made the right call letting him walk; now let's see if the Royals take the bait.

Previously on Toronto Baseball Insider

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JANVIER 27\|296 ANSWERS Max Scherzer's latest connection proves his Toronto era is officially done Will Max Scherzer throw more than 100 innings in 2026?
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