Free agent Max Scherzer is in no rush to sign for a 19th MLB season. The 41-year-old told The Athletic he's willing to wait past Opening Day to join a team that fits his criteria, though he insists he's healthy and ready to pitch. He made 85 regular-season innings for the Blue Jays in 2025.

Scherzer's market is complicated by his recent workload. He made just 26 starts combined over the past two seasons and posted a career-worst 5.17 ERA in 17 regular-season starts for Toronto last year. Still, his World Series experience—throwing 4⅓ innings of one-run ball in Game 7—proves he can still compete at the highest level when healthy.

The veteran's patience suggests he's seeking a clear role with a contender, not just any contract. Teams in need of a veteran presence for a playoff push may circle back after the season starts. His decision will be one of the final dominoes in the 2025-26 offseason market for starting pitching.