Report: Blue Jays in serious pursuit of Scherzer

The Toronto Blue Jays remain interested in re-signing veteran right-hander Max Scherzer, and talks between the two sides have intensified over the past week, sources told Sportsnet's Ben Nicholson-Smith.

Other clubs remain in the mix for Scherzer, but the Blue Jays appear to be the most serious about signing him on a potential one-year deal, Nicholson-Smith adds.

Scherzer has been connected to the Blue Jays since the beginning of February, despite the club not having a clear role for him in the starting rotation.

Toronto's rotation is projected to include Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease, Trey Yesavage, José Berríos, and Cody Ponce. Meanwhile, Shane Bieber is being brought along slowly this spring due to forearm fatigue, while Bowden Francis will miss the entire season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

Scherzer posted a 5.19 ERA in 17 starts for the Blue Jays last season, but he showed flashes of his old, dominant self in August when he authored a 3.34 ERA in six starts.

The 41-year-old was also effective during the Blue Jays' postseason run, allowing six earned runs across three outings against the Seattle Mariners (ALCS) and Los Angeles Dodgers (World Series).