Get ready for an exciting twist in the baseball world! Max Scherzer, the veteran right-hander, is taking his time in the free agency market, and it's got everyone talking. With spring training approaching, Scherzer remains unsigned, but here's the kicker: he's willing to wait until after Opening Day to find his next team.
In a recent interview with Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, Scherzer revealed he's healthy and ready to sign, but he's patient enough to join a club with a real shot at the World Series. This non-traditional approach could be a perfect fit for the Detroit Tigers, who are gearing up for the new season with a solid rotation.
The Tigers' current starting lineup includes Tarik Skubal, Jack Flaherty, Casey Mize, Reese Olson, and Drew Anderson, with Troy Melton as a potential bullpen swing man or sixth starter. While they might not need immediate reinforcements, as last season showed, pitching depth is crucial over a long summer. If the Tigers decide they need an extra boost later in the season, adding a veteran starter like Scherzer in May or June could be a smart, low-risk move.
This strategy of waiting isn't entirely new. Roger Clemens famously did it before joining the New York Yankees, and David Robertson signed with the Philadelphia Phillies mid-season last year. Rosenthal even mentioned the Tigers as a potential fit for Scherzer, given their recent playoff success and his own history with the team, where he won his first Cy Young Award.
But here's where it gets controversial: Scherzer isn't the only former Tiger and future Hall of Famer on the market. Justin Verlander is also unsigned, and while there's no indication he's considering a post-Opening Day signing, it's certainly a possibility. With both pitchers turning 42 and 43 this year, their salaries from last season ($15 million for Verlander and $15.5 million for Scherzer) might be a tough ask for the Tigers, especially after their experience with Alex Cobb.
Scherzer's time with the Tigers from 2010 to 2014 was legendary. He had an impressive record of 82-35 with a 3.52 ERA, and the Tigers made the playoffs four times during his tenure, including an American League pennant in 2012. After becoming a free agent, he signed a lucrative deal with the Washington Nationals, which proved to be a bargain as they won the 2019 World Series.
Scherzer then moved on to the Mets and later the Rangers, where he added another World Series ring to his collection. However, the 2024 season was a tough one for both Scherzer and the Rangers, with multiple injuries. Despite this, he signed a one-year, $15.5 million deal with the Blue Jays last year.
And this is the part most people miss: Scherzer's impact in the postseason. Despite a regular-season ERA of 5.17 (4.99 FIP), he made three crucial starts in the playoffs, including Games 3 and 7 of the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.
So, could the Tigers be an option for Scherzer? Only time will tell. But one thing's for sure: this story has all the makings of a thrilling baseball drama. What do you think? Should the Tigers pursue Scherzer, or is it time to look towards the future? Let's discuss in the comments!
