According to a new report from Ken Rosenthal of 'The Athletic,' Toronto Blue Jays playoff hero Max Scherzer is weighing his options for 2026, and he appears content to wait through spring training and into the regular season if he has to.

From Rosenthal:

In a telephone conversation Thursday, free-agent right-hander Max Scherzer said he is healthy and ready to sign at any moment if certain teams call. But if the right opportunity is not available, Scherzer also is content to wait until after Opening Day for an opening to emerge with one of his preferred clubs.

Scherzer, 41, did not specify which teams he is willing to join. But he could follow a plan similar to the one Roger Clemens employed in 2007, when he signed with the New York Yankees on May 6 for his age 44 and final season. At this stage of his career, Scherzer can afford to be choosy, remaining at home with his wife, Erica, and four children until he gets the right offer.

A future Hall of Famer, Scherzer is now 41 and an 18-year veteran. He's played for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Texas Rangers and Blue Jays, going 221-117 in his career. A three-time Cy Young winner, Scherzer is also a two-time World Series champion. He led baseball in strikeouts for three straight years from 2016-2018 and is also an eight-time All-Star.

He signed a one-year deal with the Blue Jays before the 2025 season.

Scherzer was injured much of the regular season, only making 17 starts and pitching to a disappointing 5.19 ERA. However, he showed up big in the playoffs, giving up just two earned runs in 5.2 innings against the Seattle Mariners in the American League Championship Series. He also made two starts in the World Series and gave up just one run in 4.1 innings against the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 7.

He appears to have enjoyed the Blue Jays experience, as evidenced by an Instagram post after the season from his wife.

At the moment, there's no room for Scherzer on the Blue Jays loaded pitching staff, but if he's willing to wait until later in the season, then anything is possible.

As of now, the Jays rotation is made up of Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Dylan Cease, Trey Yesavage and then one of Cody Ponce and Jose Berrios.

If there's injury or underperformance somewhere, then Scherzer could get another look. It's clear that he wants to sign with a contender, which the Blue Jays certainly are.

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