Max Scherzer says he doesn’t think he’s thrown his last pitch for MLB, but his next move has the Blue Jays and fans fired up and could change everything for the 2026 season

In the wake of the Toronto Blue Jays’ heartbreaking Game 7 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2025 World Series, three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer delivered a message that resonated far beyond the final out. “I just don’t see how that’s the last pitch I’ve ever thrown,” the 41-year-old right-hander said shortly after exiting the mound in what could have been his career finale. Those words, spoken amid the disappointment of falling short of a third World Series ring, ignited hope among baseball fans and set the stage for an intriguing offseason saga.

Now, as spring training approaches in early 2026, Scherzer remains a free agent, healthy, determined, and selective about his next chapter—one that could dramatically impact the Blue Jays’ pursuit of redemption.

Scherzer’s 2025 season with Toronto was a tale of resilience amid adversity. Signed to a one-year, $15.5 million deal in February 2025 following injury-plagued stints with the Texas Rangers and New York Mets, the veteran arrived in Toronto intent on proving he still belonged among the elite. Regular-season stats told a different story: a career-worst 5.19 ERA over 17 starts and 85 innings, hampered by recurring injuries that limited his availability. The numbers raised legitimate questions about whether age and physical wear had finally caught up to one of the most dominant pitchers of his generation.

Yet, when the playoffs arrived, Scherzer transformed. He started three postseason games for the American League champions, delivering a 3.77 ERA across those outings. His most memorable performance came in Game 7 of the World Series against the Dodgers, where he pitched 4 1/3 innings of one-run ball, striking out three and keeping Toronto in contention deep into the game. Leaving the field to a thunderous ovation from the Toronto faithful, Scherzer tipped his cap in a moment that felt both triumphant and bittersweet.

The Blue Jays’ narrow defeat left unfinished business, a sentiment Scherzer himself echoed in postgame comments about wanting to win a championship with this group.

Fast-forward to late January 2026, and Scherzer’s stance has only sharpened. In a recent interview with The Athletic, he reiterated his readiness to pitch in 2026, describing himself as “healthy and ready to sign at any moment if certain teams call.” Notably, he expressed no urgency, willing to wait until after Opening Day if necessary for the right opportunity to emerge. This patient approach signals that Scherzer is prioritizing contention over immediate security.

At 41 (turning 42 in July), he is no longer chasing volume innings or ace status but rather a chance to contribute meaningfully to a legitimate contender—ideally one that could deliver that elusive third ring to cap a Hall of Fame career.

The Blue Jays, fresh off their AL pennant but stung by the World Series loss, find themselves at the center of this narrative. Reports suggest Scherzer views Toronto as having “unfinished business,” a nod to the talented core led by Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Bo Bichette, and a rotation that showed championship mettle despite his regular-season struggles. Fans in Toronto have been vocal in their support, flooding social media with pleas for a reunion. “We love you Max! One more year please!” read countless comments following his World Series exit.

A return would provide the Jays with veteran leadership, postseason proven grit, and a symbolic boost for a team hungry to go one step further in 2026.

Speculation has also linked Scherzer to other destinations. Potential fits include the San Diego Padres, Philadelphia Phillies, or even a sentimental return to the Detroit Tigers, where he first emerged as a star. Betting odds from sportsbooks have the Blue Jays as slight favorites for his services, followed by teams like the San Francisco Giants and New York Mets. Yet Scherzer’s insistence on “preferred clubs” keeps the door open to surprises, including a midseason signing akin to Pedro Martínez’s 2009 deal with the Phillies if no ideal spot materializes early.

This scenario carries significant implications for the 2026 season. For the Blue Jays, re-signing Scherzer—even on a short-term, incentive-laden contract—could stabilize their rotation and add invaluable experience to a young core eyeing sustained contention. His presence in the clubhouse would mentor emerging arms while providing a reliable arm in high-leverage situations. Should he join elsewhere, Toronto might need to accelerate pursuit of other free-agent pitchers or internal options to fill the veteran void.

Scherzer’s journey has always been defined by intensity and adaptability. From his no-hitter with the Nationals to his championship with the Rangers in 2023, he has reinvented himself repeatedly. The injuries of recent years tested that resolve, but his playoff heroics in Toronto proved the fire still burns. Whether he returns to the Rogers Centre or lands elsewhere, his decision will ripple through the league, reminding everyone that legends rarely fade quietly.

As the offseason clock ticks toward spring, baseball waits. Scherzer’s next move isn’t just about one pitcher’s future—it’s about legacy, unfinished business, and the possibility of one more memorable run. For Blue Jays fans, the hope is that “Mad Max” isn’t done wearing blue quite yet. The 2026 season could look very different depending on where that next pitch is thrown.