Max Scherzer Agrees to Return to Blue Jays

Three-time Cy Young winner to continue playing into his 40s

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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Three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer has agreed to return to the Toronto Blue Jays, a source confirmed to ESPN. Scherzer, now 41 years old, has pitched into his 40s despite increasing injury issues, throwing a total of 85 regular-season innings for the Blue Jays in 2025 after accumulating only 43 1/3 for the Texas Rangers in 2024.

Why it matters

Scherzer's return to the Blue Jays is significant as he continues to cement his legacy as one of the greatest pitchers of his generation, with a career that will likely culminate in a Hall of Fame induction. His competitiveness and preparation have been praised by Blue Jays manager John Schneider, and Scherzer's ability to perform in big postseason games has been crucial for the team.

The details

Scherzer, a first-round draft pick of the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2006, debuted in the big leagues two years later. His delivery at the time drew scrutiny due to the way he snapped his head to the left as he released the ball. The Diamondbacks discussed turning him into a closer, but instead traded him to the Detroit Tigers, where he flourished over five seasons. Scherzer then signed with the Washington Nationals after the 2014 season, helping them to a championship in 2019. Over the course of his career, he has grossed nearly $370 million in salary.

  • Scherzer threw a total of 85 regular-season innings for the Toronto Blue Jays in 2025.
  • Scherzer accumulated only 43 1/3 innings for the Texas Rangers in 2024.

The players

Max Scherzer

A three-time Cy Young Award winner who has pitched into his 40s despite increasing injury issues.

John Schneider

The manager of the Toronto Blue Jays, who has praised Scherzer's competitiveness and preparation.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

The takeaway

Scherzer's return to the Blue Jays is a testament to his enduring excellence and competitiveness, as he continues to defy the odds and pitch at a high level into his 40s. His Hall of Fame induction appears to be a foregone conclusion, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest pitchers of his generation.