DUNEDIN, Florida. – The Toronto Blue Jays have found unexpected and heartwarming support in free agency: the families of their own players.
After Max Scherzer’s return to the team was confirmed with a one-year contract, his wife, Erica, shared a letter written by their daughter Brooke to the team, expressing her wish for her father to play with the Blue Jays again.
In the message, the girl lamented that the team did not win the World Series and expressed her excitement to return to the city, highlighting how much her family enjoys the time they spend together in Toronto, including visits to the aquarium, the CN Tower, and the stadium.
This emotional story reveals a growing trend within the Canadian organization: the influence of families on the players’ decisions.
During the previous offseason, Japanese player 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’.
Similarly, Dominican-Canadian Vladimir Guerrero Jr. confessed that one of the most emotional moments of his negotiation process was when his daughter asked him if they would stay in Toronto.
In recent years, the organization has strengthened its spaces and facilities for families, especially at the Rogers Centre, an initiative highly valued by players with young children.
Pitchers like Chris Bassitt and Kevin Gausman have publicly praised the welcoming environment for their families inside the stadium.
With Scherzer’s return, the Blue Jays not only add experience and leadership to the rotation, but also reaffirm an environment that connects beyond the field, a home they have built for their players and their loved ones.
