Texas Rangers pitcher Max Scherzer is coming off an injury-plagued 2024 season where he made just nine starts. During those starts, he proved to be a reliable major league pitcher.
If he can stay healthy in 2025, he’s expected to perform well again, despite being 40 years old. Interest in him remains strong this winter.
Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller recently speculated that the Cincinnati Reds could be an unexpected destination for Scherzer. Spotrac estimates he could sign for $15 million this offseason.
While Miller pointed to the San Francisco Giants and San Diego Padres as the most likely teams to pursue him, he didn’t rule out the Reds. “Free-agent starting pitchers usually avoid Great American Ball Park, but Scherzer could be an exception,” Miller noted.
“In his five career appearances there (all quality starts), Scherzer has a 33.0 IP, 15 H, 1 ER, 8 BB, 53 K line.” Miller acknowledged the Reds’ recent moves—re-signing Nick Martinez, trading for Brady Singer, and the promising rookie Rhett Lowder—but still raised the question of how often an opportunity like Scherzer, even in the later stages of his career, comes around.
It’s pretty unlikely the Reds will sign Scherzer this winter. After re-signing Nick Martinez and acquiring Brady Singer, they already have a solid group of starting pitchers.
They’re probably more inclined to use their funds on an outfielder for the rotation rather than a starter. Cincinnati has also been linked to free agent Carlos Estévez of the Philadelphia Phillies. However, bringing in Scherzer could still make sense if he’s willing to sign for a bargain price.
