Former Cy Young award winner surprisingly claims rotation spot
He’s not done yet. While it’s not the way the Toronto Blue Jays envisioned it, Max Scherzer is slated to begin the 2026 season in the starting rotation. Not only is Scherzer not ready to step aside, but it’s also clear the Blue Jays can’t afford to let that happen.
Maybe more importantly, though, the future MLB Hall of Famer has more to offer from a performance perspective. Yesavage Injury Opens The Door: Oct 29, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Trey Yesavage (39) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the fifth inning during game five of the 2025 MLB World Series at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images It’s important to remember that we are about to embark on a six-month season.
While Trey Yesavage burst onto the scene with ease last year, he still has just 14 regular-season innings in the MLB under his belt. However, when you combine that with 98 minor league innings and another 27. 2 high-stress innings in the postseason, that’s the most extensive workload of his young career.
What is clear is how talented Yesavage is. This also means the Blue Jays have an extra incentive, rightfully so, to be careful with his health. And if you have the benefit of having a future Hall of Fame pitcher fill his rotation spot to begin the season, that’s even better.
Mad Max Still Has Gas In The Tank: Nov 1, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer (31) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the first inning during game seven of the 2025 MLB World Series at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images At this point, there’s no concern about Scherzer being ready for the season and mid-season form.