George Springer is ecstatic about the Blue Jays signing this veteran

Compared to the signings of Dylan Cease and Kazuma Okamoto or the trade for Jesús Sánchez, the Toronto Blue Jays' reunion with quadragenarian Max Scherzer didn't generate a ton of all-in buzz. Don't tell that to George Springer, though.

"It feels good to not be the oldest guy in the room," the 36-year-old Springer joked during a broadcast of the Blue Jays' March 14 Spring Training game. "[Scherzer] brings so much to us as a team. The name speaks for itself, all the accolades. He's a Hall of Famer... he's so approachable."

Scherzer shot down any rumors of retirement shortly after the Blue Jays' heartbreaking World Series loss, but there was a resounding belief that he wouldn't sign until later in the season. Then, injuries to Shane Bieber and Bowden Francis opened up a need in the team's rotation, and Scherzer rejoined Toronto after a successful 2025 campaign.

Though he's not the pitcher he once was, Mad Max will be a crucial depth piece for the pitching staff in what could prove to be his career swan song.

George Springer, Max Scherzer hold outsized importance for Blue Jays in 2026

Scherzer didn't have his best season last year, posting a 5.19 ERA in 85 innings while dealing with a nerve issue in his thumb. Nevertheless, as he's always seemed to do throughout his legendary career, he showed up in the biggest moments, covering three postseason starts to the tune of a 3.77 ERA.

With Bieber and Francis out, he was always likely to crack the Opening Day rotation. Following recent news that José Berrios is dealing with elbow inflammation, Scherzer can now be considered a lock for the Blue Jays' starting five. Expectations should be tempered — he's soon to turn 42 years old, after all — but even a diminished Mad Max is still a valuable arm to have on the roster.

Once Bieber and/or Berrios return, there will be some questions about how to juggle the roster. Scherzer hasn't made a regular season appearance out of the bullpen since his rookie year... in 2008.

Even if his presence requires someone else to take on a reduced role, though, his experience and leadership skills are invaluable. The Blue Jays were wise to prioritize adding him back to the mix after the initial injury news broke.

Speaking of leaders, Springer is the elder statesman of the position player contingent, and his (re)breakout last year was a huge reason for the Blue Jays' success. Another 166 wRC+ is probably out of the question, but another top-50 campaign would help keep the lineup afloat in the wake of Bo Bichette's absence.

Keeping both veteran leaders healthy and productive in 2026 would be the cherry on top of the intangibles they already bring to the clubhouse.