Scherzer not rushing free-agent deal, could sign after Opening Day

Three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer is determined to pitch in 2026, but the free-agent right-hander is willing to wait for the right opportunity to continue his illustrious career.

Scherzer told The Athletic on Thursday that while he is healthy and ready to sign at any moment, he is content to wait until after Opening Day for a spot to emerge with one of his preferred clubs.

Such a strategy isn’t without precedent. Roger Clemens did it in 2006 and ’07, waiting until May in both seasons before signing with the Astros and Yankees, respectively. Pedro Martínez followed a similar path in '09, inking a deal with the Phillies in July.

The 41-year-old Scherzer didn’t specify which teams are on his list, but it’s reasonable to assume that he’s targeting clubs that give him the best chance to win a World Series title in 2026, which would be his 19th big league campaign.

Spending 2025 with the Blue Jays on a one-year, $15.5 million deal, Scherzer endured a difficult regular season, missing significant time due to injuries for the second straight year and finishing with a career-high 5.19 ERA.

However, he proved to be a solid rotation option in the playoffs, starting three games and recording a 3.77 ERA, including 4 1/3 innings of one-run ball in Game 7 of the Fall Classic against the Dodgers. He was denied a third ring when Toronto narrowly lost to Los Angeles, perhaps fueling his decision to delay retirement for at least another year.