Max Scherzer to Blue Jays: Daughter’s Letter Key to $3M Deal?
Toronto Blue Jays fans have a reason to celebrate beyond the team’s continued pursuit of a championship. , brought confirmation that veteran pitcher Max Scherzer will return to the club for the season, a development seemingly spurred on by a heartfelt plea from a very special supporter: his eight-year-old daughter, Brooke.
The reunion, a one-year, $3 million deal with an additional $10 million in performance bonuses, was solidified after weeks of speculation. News broke early Thursday morning, and shortly after, Scherzer’s wife, Erica May, shared a letter penned by Brooke to the Blue Jays organization on her Instagram account. The letter, written in December, offered a touching glimpse into the family’s affection for the city and the team.
“Dear Blue Jays,” Brooke wrote, “I am so sorry that you didn’t win the World Series. I hope that you win next time. I hope my dad is back on the team. My whole family loves spending time in Toronto with our dad. We loved the aquarium, CN Tower and of course, the stadium. I am looking forward to coming back next season.”
The sincerity of the letter resonated widely, quickly becoming a trending topic online. It highlighted the impact the Blue Jays had on the Scherzer family during their time in Toronto, extending beyond the baseball diamond to encompass the city’s attractions and the overall experience.
Scherzer’s initial arrival in Toronto came via a one-year deal prior to the season. Despite battling injuries throughout the regular season, the three-time Cy Young Award winner proved to be a crucial component of the Blue Jays’ playoff run, culminating in a trip to the World Series. He delivered three postseason starts, posting a 3.77 ERA over 14.1 innings, including a Game 4 ALCS victory against the Seattle Mariners – his first postseason win since with the Washington Nationals.
His performance in the World Series, though ultimately ending in a loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers, further cemented his value to the team. Scherzer pitched 4.1 innings of one-run ball in Game 7, leaving the mound to a standing ovation from the Toronto crowd. Immediately following the defeat, he publicly expressed his intention to return in .
While Scherzer’s return seemed likely, there was some external interest from other clubs, notably the San Francisco Giants. The Giants’ new manager, Tony Vitello, had a prior connection with Scherzer, having served as an assistant coach when the pitcher played for the Detroit Tigers from to . However, the pull of Toronto – and, it appears, the wishes of his daughter – proved too strong.
Blue Jays manager John Schneider expressed his enthusiasm for Scherzer’s return, highlighting the veteran’s impact both on and off the field. Schneider noted Scherzer’s willingness to challenge conventional thinking and share his extensive experience, qualities that make him a valuable asset to the team. “He’s not afraid to question baserunning, question defense, question offense,” Schneider said last fall. “He still thinks he’s our best baserunner on the team from his days with the Nationals.”
The season will mark Scherzer’s 19th in Major League Baseball. He will join a strong Blue Jays rotation that is expected to include Dylan Cease, Kevin Gausman, Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage, Cody Ponce, José Berríos and Eric Lauer. While the deal is contingent upon a successful physical, the expectation is that Scherzer will once again be a key contributor as the Blue Jays aim to complete their championship quest.
The financial details of the contract include the $3 million base salary and the potential for an additional $10 million in performance bonuses, triggered by reaching specific innings pitched milestones. Scherzer will earn $1 million for every 10 innings pitched beyond 65, up to a maximum of 155 innings.
Beyond the on-field impact, Scherzer’s return provides a boost to team morale and reinforces the Blue Jays’ commitment to contending for a championship. The story of Brooke’s letter serves as a reminder of the human element within the game, and the powerful connection between players, their families, and the communities they represent. It’s a narrative that resonates with fans and adds an extra layer of excitement to the upcoming season.