DUNEDIN, Florida. – The Toronto Blue Jays have found unexpected and touching support in their free agency process: the backing of their players’ families. Following confirmation of Max Scherzer’s return to the team with a one-year contract, his wife, Erica, shared a letter written by their daughter Brooke. In the letter, the girl expressed her longing for her father to play for the Blue Jays again, lamenting the loss in the World Series and expressing her joy at returning to Toronto.
This story underscores a growing trend within the organization: the influence of families on players’ decisions. Japanese Kazuma Okamoto revealed that, when evaluating his options, he showed his daughter the logos of the 30 Major League teams, and she immediately chose the Blue Jays’. Vladimir Guerrero Jr. also shared an emotional moment when his daughter asked him if they would stay in Toronto. In recent years, the organization has invested in spaces and facilities for families, especially at the Rogers Centre. Pitchers like Chris Bassitt and Kevin Gausman have publicly praised the welcoming environment for their families. With Scherzer’s return, the Blue Jays not only gain experience and leadership, but also strengthen an environment that goes beyond the game: the home they have built for their players and their loved ones.The girl highlighted how much her family enjoys the time they spend together in Toronto, including visits to the aquarium, the CN Tower, and the stadium.
Erica Scherzer
