Blue Jays' Max Scherzer: 'I'll be ready', eyeing opening day roster spot
Veteran right-hander Max Scherzer says there's no doubt he'll be prepared when the Toronto Blue Jays open the 2026 season.
Speaking Tuesday at the club's Player Development Complex in Dunedin, Florida, Max Scherzer addressed reporters after arriving late to spring training.
Despite the delayed start, the 41-year-old made it clear he feels strong and on track.
Max Scherzer says he'll be ready for the start of the season and is completely past his thumb issues. «I feel good. I feel healthy. I just want to pitch.» #BlueJays
Scherzer will be up against stiff competition for the final rotation spot
His return adds another layer of competition to the Toronto Blue Jays crowded starting rotation picture.
Scherzer joins Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce, Jose Berrios, Trey Yesavage, and Eric Lauer as candidates for Opening Day roles.
Meanwhile, Shane Bieber is expected to begin the season on the injured list.
Scherzer officially re-signed with Toronto on Monday, agreeing to a one-year contract worth $3 million, with performance incentives that could increase the value to $10 million.
In 2025, Scherzer made 17 regular-season appearances for the Blue Jays, compiling a 5-5 record and a 5.19 ERA.
He elevated his performance in October, posting a 3.77 ERA across three postseason starts - including 4.1 innings pitched in Game 7 of the World Series.
The three-time Cy Young Award winner said the team's competitive outlook and clubhouse chemistry played a major role in his decision to return.
"This team can win, and I want to be a part of it." 🤝 Max Scherzer on whether last season played into his decision to re-sign with the Blue Jays.
Scherzer also confirmed he is no longer dealing with the thumb issue that hampered him throughout last season, though he declined to go into specifics.
Over an illustrious 18-year Major League Baseball career, Scherzer has firmly established himself as one of the defining pitchers of his era.
Across 483 appearances, he owns a 221-117 record with a 3.22 ERA over 2,963 innings pitched.
He has recorded 3,489 strikeouts against just 779 walks.
An eight-time All-Star, Scherzer has captured three Cy Young Awards, one in the American League and two in the National League, and earned two World Series championships.
With Opening Day approaching, Scherzer appears determined to once again be at the center of Toronto's championship ambitions.
Also read on Blue Jays Central :
Team Canada vs Blue Jays: Starting Lineup - Game Preview
Team Canada vs Blue Jays: Starting Lineup - Game Preview
| POLL | ||
MARS 3|102 ANSWERS Blue Jays' Max Scherzer: 'I'll be ready', eyeing opening day roster spot Do you think Max Scherzer will be ready for Opening Day? | ||
| Yes | 70 | 68.6 % |
| No | 21 | 20.6 % |
| Too early to tell | 11 | 10.8 % |
| List of polls | ||