Max Scherzer’s future is once again one of the most fascinating storylines of the MLB offseason. The future Hall of Famer is a free agent at 41, coming off a World Series run with the Toronto Blue Jays. He appears in no rush to sign.
Scherzer’s weighing a strategic delay that could land him in the perfect situation. He wants one last, meaningful chase for a championship.
Scherzer’s Late-Career Approach to Free Agency
I’ve covered baseball for decades, and if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that elite competitors age differently. Scherzer still seems wired to win, even as his 42nd birthday creeps up this July.
Ken Rosenthal reports the veteran right-hander says he’s healthy and ready. But he’s only interested if the opportunity feels right.
Waiting for the Perfect Fit
Scherzer has said he might wait until after Opening Day to sign. That move lets him join a contender in need of rotation help, skipping the early grind and saving his arm for October.
He’s got his eyes on teams with a real World Series shot. At this point, he doesn’t want to join a rebuild—he wants a club that can win and give him a clear role.
Recent Performance: What Teams Can Expect
Scherzer’s 2025 regular season with Toronto wasn’t up to his usual standards. In 17 starts, he posted a 5.17 ERA and a 4.99 FIP.
Postseason Proof of Value
But when the lights were brightest, he looked more like himself. Scherzer put up a 3.77 ERA over three postseason starts, showing he can still find another gear when it counts.
Teams shouldn’t expect vintage Scherzer. He’s more of a seasoned innings-eater now, but he can give you competitive starts and a ton of playoff experience.
A Strategy with Historical Precedent
Scherzer’s willingness to wait isn’t new. Other legendary pitchers have done it late in their careers.
Following in Clemens’ and Robertson’s Footsteps
Roger Clemens famously waited until May to sign in his final seasons, jumping straight into playoff races. More recently, David Robertson held out until midseason at age 40 before helping the Phillies.
It’s a move that makes sense: age cuts down on innings, but experience is gold in a pennant chase.
Potential Landing Spots for Scherzer
Rosenthal didn’t name Scherzer’s preferred teams. Still, a few playoff-caliber clubs stand out as logical fits.
Teams That Make Sense
Here are some of the most interesting possibilities:
The Final Chapter Still Unwritten
Max Scherzer’s career has always been about intensity. He adapts, and he’s never lost that burning desire to win.
Some teams might get frustrated waiting for him to make a move, but honestly, he just knows what he wants.
If this really is the last chapter of a Hall of Fame journey, he’ll pick a stage that fits his legacy. When the games matter most, you’ll feel his presence—no doubt about it.
Here is the source article for this story: Max Scherzer Could Wait To Sign After Opening Day
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