Blue Jays fans might be getting irrationally excited for potential Max Scherzer signing

Recent rumors have claimed that the Toronto Blue Jays are interested in star pitcher Max Scherzer in free agency. Just knowing that Toronto is trying to go after a pitcher with such a pedigree has gotten many Blue Jays fans excited in the process.

After all, Scherzer is a three-time Cy Young winner and eight-time All-Star, while being the ace of the pitching staff for the bulk of the teams he has played for. On top of that, he is a proven winner, helping the Washington Nationals and Texas Rangers to their first ever World Series championships in the process.

However, the fan excitement and anticipation of Scherzer and his potential signing with the Jays might just be getting a little irrationally out of hand in recent days. A quick look at what has been floating around in social media brings some 2014 Scherzer-level enthusiasm to the surface. These days, he's 40 years old.

Blue Jays fans might be getting irrationally excited for potential Max Scherzer signing

Another devoted fan apparently has the whole package deal all laid out.

Some fans are so zoned into the offseason that they can even fantasize about Scherzer already being a member of the Blue Jays.

 Then we have avid Jays fan and writer Ryley Delaney, who wants to dream big.

It is great to have huge hopes for a superstar like Scherzer, but it is best to just temper those hopes just a little bit. After all, it sure has felt like the Jays have been after every single big-name free agent this offseason. But remember, after all of that, they have managed to only land Jeff Hoffman and secure Anthony Santander so far as potential impact players through the free agent market.

In addition, keep in mind that Scherzer is already 40 years old, which means the Jays likely won’t be getting prime Scherzer from a decade ago. To go out and expect him to suddenly anchor the Jays’ pitching staff, pitch like an ace again, and lead them instantly into the World Series might just be a little too far-fetched. But if he manages to give the Jays some length, win some key games and helps them get into the playoffs, that would be more than enough from the veteran. The main caveat, though, is that Scherzer has had trouble staying healthy in recent years. The Jays would need a healthy Scherzer for the investment to be worth it.

It may be time to temper those expectations for multiple reasons, as recent reports have indicated the Jays aren’t as close in getting Scherzer as many first thought. Nevertheless, if the Jays somehow manage to land the star pitcher, it would be a nice added bonus. But, if they don’t end up getting him, Jays fans shouldn’t need to be too disappointed, as he may not be the game-changer that he once was. Not all will be lost.