Max Scherzer Eyeing Late-Season Signing for Playoff Push

Veteran pitcher looks to join contender in May or June to make postseason impact

Feb. 26, 2026 at 4:31am

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At 41 years old and just 11 strikeouts shy of 3,500, Max Scherzer is aiming to extend his MLB career despite a challenging 2025 season marked by injuries and a 5.19 ERA over 17 starts. Rather than retiring, Scherzer appears set to pursue a late signing with a role focused on high-leverage innings during the stretch run and postseason, offering veteran depth for contending clubs seeking an edge in October.

Why it matters

Following the pattern set by Roger Clemens, who often delayed joining contending teams until midseason, Scherzer may opt for a similar approach. At this stage, a full 162-game season could threaten both his effectiveness and durability. By signing in May or June, he becomes a valuable midseason acquisition akin to a deadline add, helping teams chase playoff success without sacrificing future assets.

The details

Scherzer is looking to join a team in May or June, rather than signing for a full season, in order to preserve his competitiveness for key postseason moments. This strategy allows him a shorter timeframe to pursue career milestones like reaching 3,500 career strikeouts. Teams like the San Diego Padres, Baltimore Orioles, and Arizona Diamondbacks have been identified as potential landing spots for the veteran pitcher.

  • Scherzer is 11 strikeouts shy of 3,500 career strikeouts.
  • Scherzer had a 5.19 ERA over 17 starts in the 2025 season.

The players

Max Scherzer

A 41-year-old veteran pitcher who is aiming to extend his MLB career despite a challenging 2025 season.

Roger Clemens

A former MLB pitcher who often delayed joining contending teams until midseason, which Scherzer is looking to emulate.

AJ Preller

The general manager of the San Diego Padres, who has shown a willingness to pursue established players for short-term boosts.

Zac Gallen

A pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks, who could benefit from Scherzer's veteran presence.

Merrill Kelly

Another pitcher for the Arizona Diamondbacks, who could benefit from Scherzer's veteran presence.

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What’s next

Scherzer is expected to sign with a team in May or June, rather than committing to a full season, in order to focus on high-leverage innings during the stretch run and postseason.

The takeaway

Scherzer's late-career approach mirrors that of Roger Clemens, as he looks to join a contending team midseason to provide veteran leadership and high-impact innings in the playoffs, rather than shouldering a full season's workload.