The Los Angeles Dodgers offseason has been a doozy. And they continue to do their due diligence on all manner of talent. Pat Raggazzo reported that the Blues were in attendance for a workout held by Max Scherzer.
Unlike the DodgersThe offseason surrounding future Hall of Famer Scherzer has been relatively subdued. The three-time Cy Young Award winner’s 2024 season with the Texas Rangers was limited to just nine starts, during which he posted a 3.95 ERA. Scherzer’s campaign was plagued by a series of injuries, including recovery from offseason back surgery, a nerve issue in his hand, shoulder fatigue, and a strained hamstring. These ailments raise concerns, particularly for a pitcher who celebrated his 40th birthday last summer.
Los Angeles Dodgers In Attendance For Max Scherzer Showcase

Despite these health challenges, Scherzer remains committed to pitching in 2025, according to Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, the veteran pitcher who recently held the showcase for scouts, signaling his intent to continue his career.
While another pitcher is far from a need for the World Series champions, having added Blake Snell and Roki Sasaki to an already formidable group, ‘need’ is no longer the concern. The Dodgers have made it clear they are attempting to build a playoff variance-proof team and Scherzer certainly adds value, likely as a depth piece or as a reliever. The situation is similar to that of Clayton Kershaw, who the team is in talks with to re-sign.
The efficacy of Max Scherzer’s recent showcase for scouts remains to be seen, though early indications are positive. As reported by Mark Feinsand of MLB.com, one attendee noted that Scherzer looked good, perhaps not quite at his Cy Young Award-winning peak, but certainly “good enough to be an effective starter.”
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Scherzer’s limited 2024 season, hampered by injuries, offered glimpses of both his enduring talent and potential decline. Across 43 1/3 innings, he maintained a 3.95 ERA, coupled with a near-average strikeout rate of 22.6% and an exceptional walk rate of just 5.6%. However, his fastball velocity, once a consistent 95 mph, averaged a career-low 92.5 mph. He also struggled with home runs for the second consecutive season, posting a 1.45 HR/9 rate.
While his swinging-strike rate (14.6%) remained impressive, a concerning trend emerged: opponents made contact on 83.1% of their swings within the strike zone—his highest such rate since 2011. These metrics suggest that while Scherzer’s command and guile remain potent, his ability to overpower hitters has diminished, potentially impacting his future effectiveness.