Cubs Among Teams Scouting Max Scherzer as Veteran Pitcher Eyes Comeback

CHICAGO, Ill. — The Chicago Cubs are reportedly among at least eight teams scouting veteran pitcher Max Scherzer as the three-time Cy Young Award winner looks to extend his career into his age-40/41 season. Scherzer, a future Hall of Famer, is seeking a comeback after a challenging 2024 season with the Texas Rangers, where injuries limited him to just nine starts.

Scherzer, who underwent back surgery and dealt with shoulder and hamstring issues last year, posted a 3.81 ERA over his last two seasons. Despite his age and recent injury history, his track record and competitive edge have drawn interest from multiple teams, including the Cubs, Mets, Yankees, Dodgers, Blue Jays, Phillies, Braves, and Red Sox.

According to a report by Pat Ragazzo on X, the Cubs were present at a recent Scherzer throwing session at Cressey Sports Performance. While the Cubs’ interest in signing Scherzer remains unclear, their presence at the session could serve multiple purposes, including advance scouting and relationship-building with the facility.

“The Cubs could have so many reasons to scout a guy like Scherzer, even if their interest in signing him were merely tepid,” said Brett Taylor, lead Cubs writer at Bleacher Nation. “It’s an opportunity to do a little advance scouting in case you face him this year, or to gather data on a certain type of pitcher at a certain age.”

Scherzer’s potential signing would come with risks, given his recent injury history and the need for careful workload management. However, his experience and intensity could provide value to a team looking for a short-term boost. “I could envision a scenario where adding him to the mix makes a lot of sense at the right price,” Taylor added.

The Cubs, who have been quiet in free agency this offseason, are reportedly working with a limited budget. With approximately $20 million left to spend, the team must balance signing an impact reliever with other potential moves. Scherzer’s asking price, likely in the range of a one-year, $15 million deal similar to Justin Verlander’s contract with the Giants, could be a stretch for the Cubs.

As Scherzer continues his comeback attempt, his next destination remains uncertain. For the Cubs, the decision to pursue him will depend on their willingness to take on the risks associated with an aging pitcher and their ability to fit him into their financial plans.