Where does Max Scherzer really fit on a potential Blue Jays postseason rotation?

When the 2024 season ended, the Toronto Blue Jays pitching starting rotation had at least one, if not more areas where they could improve. Led by Kevin Gausman, Chris Bassitt, and Jose Bérrios, the competition for the back end was between Bowden Francis and Yariel Rodriguez. Going into 2025, the Blue Jays decided to add a pitcher to that mix when they signed Max Scherzer to a one-year deal.

Despite being 40 years old, adding Scherzer seemed like a solid fit. Scherzer is a three time Cy Young award winner and an eight-time All-Star. Scherzer could also be looked at, as somehone who could add championship pedigree to the Blue Jays, as he is a two-time World Series champion.

Unfortunately, the 2025 season has been rough for Scherzer and with the trade deadline approaching on July 31, the Blue Jays might have some thinking to do about Scherzer's role.

Does Scherzer really fit in Toronto's rotation down the road?

It's no secret that with the Blue Jays in first place in the AL East, the team will need to be aggressive at the deadline to make the strongest team possible to win the 2025 World Series. One area the Blue Jays will need to improve is starting pitching as
Scherzer's numbers could be a cause for concern. Scherzer had recorded a 4.70 earned run average in 23 innings pitched with just one win in 2025.

Last night against the New York Yankees, Scherzer started his sixth game of the season, and found himself in trouble right away when he allowed a three-run home run to Jazz Chisholm Jr. in the first inning.

After allowing the home run, Scherzer held the Yankees in check over the next three innings, until Cody Bellinger hit a solo home in the fifth inning to make it 4-1. Scherzer was done after five innings and 90 pitches. Last night was the fifth time that Scherzer didn't reach the sixth inning in a start.

While the Blue Jays battled back to tie the game, Scherzer ended up getting a no decision as Toronto fell 5-4 to the Yankees to end their 11-game winning streak at home.

With injury concerns and struggling starts in 2025, the Blue Jays could be looking at a way to upgrade Scherzer's spot in the rotation, and they have already been in rumors for other starters, including Seth Lugo and Kris Bubic of the Kansas City Royals.

If Toronto trades for a solid starter at the deadline, moving Scherzer from the rotation to the bullpen might be an option. It could be entirely possible that Scherzer might not want to be moved to the bullpen with Toronto, and he could want to move on and pitch for a new team.

However, there might not be a team interested in Scherzer, being on an expiring contract, teams that are selling at the deadline might won't be interested in trading for Scherzer if there's no guarantee he will re-sign. A team that is buying could trade for Scherzer if they want experience, but everything that concerns the Blue Jays would concern those other contending teams as well.

There's no doubt that Toronto is going to be eager to add a starting pitcher or two to its rotation at the deadline to be a stronger team come August and September. However, if Scherzer's struggles continue, October could be a tough month for him and the Blue Jays.