Max Scherzer agrees to return with the Blue Jays, according to report

United States. Veteran right-hander Max Scherzer has reportedly reached an agreement to rejoin the Toronto Blue Jays, according to a report by MLB Network analyst Jon Heyman. So far, the organization has not officially confirmed the deal nor have the financial terms been revealed. Scherzer, 41 years old, has a career that places him among the most outstanding pitchers of his generation. In 18 seasons in the Major Leagues, he has accumulated three Cy Young awards, eight All-Star Game selections, two World Series rings, and 3,489 strikeouts, a figure that places him eleventh on the historical list. His career ERA is 3.22, with an ERA+ of 131. However, the right-hander has faced physical challenges in recent years. Between 2024 and 2025, he made only 26 regular season starts due to various injuries. In 2025, he recorded the highest ERA of his career (5.19) in 85 innings pitched, after signing a one-year, US$15.5 million contract with Toronto. As he is not eligible to receive a qualifying offer — he already received one in 2014 — his signing does not imply compensation in the Draft.

A key factor in October

Despite his struggles during the regular season, Scherzer showed his experience in the postseason. In the American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners, he earned a crucial victory in Game 4 by limiting Seattle to two runs in 5.2 innings, helping to keep the Blue Jays alive. He also had solid performances in the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers, including 4.1 innings of just one run in the seventh game. However, Toronto fell in that decisive game, depriving the pitcher of what could have been his third championship ring.

Motivated to continue

After the Fall Classic, Scherzer made it clear that he is not considering retirement as long as he feels capable of contributing to a contending team. “As long as I can be an opener for a club with championship aspirations, I want to keep pitching,” he expressed at the time, noting that the improvement in the discomfort in his right thumb gave him back the confidence to compete at the highest level. With this possible agreement, Scherzer would be heading to play his 19th season in the Major Leagues, determined to seek another opportunity to conquer the title that narrowly escaped him.