Interview: Max Scherzer talks about reunion with Toronto Blue Jays
Photo credit: Sportsnet 590 The Fan - x.com
Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Max Scherzer joined the Blair & Barker Show on Thursday to discuss running it back with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2026
Veteran right-hander Max Scherzer made it official on Thursday, rejoining the Toronto Blue Jays and sharing insight into his decision during an appearance on Sportsnet 590 with Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker.
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For much of the offseason, speculation consistently connected Scherzer and Toronto as mutual fits.
Still, nothing was certain until the deal was finalized, not even for Scherzer himself.
The 41-year-old, widely viewed as a future Hall of Famer, spoke candidly about the process of returning for another run.
Blair wasted little time getting to the big question, asking whether Scherzer ever believed his final pitch might have come in Game 7 of the World Series.
"No, I never really did, because you know there is a quick turnaround after the postseason. You've got to start getting ready for the next season. So as I was training everything felt great with my body as I was ramping up with workouts and throwing."
Despite drawing interest from multiple clubs, Scherzer explained why a return to Toronto ultimately made the most sense.
"I just didn't know how everything was going to unfold, I was very picky about where I wanted to play. Obviously Toronto was a team I wanted to come back to and join, absolutely love all the guys and what we did last year. It was a great fit not just for me, but for my family as well."
He added that patience was required as both sides worked through their respective offseason priorities.
"I knew the offseason needed to unfold the way it did on their [Blue Jays] end. It got to the point where you're in spring training and where they called up and said, "Hey we [BlueJays] can get you back on the team."
Scherzer's contract is mutually beneficial for both sides
Financially, the agreement is modest by Scherzer's standards. He'll earn $3 million, his lowest salary since 2011, when he was still a pre-arbitration arm with the Detroit Tigers.
The deal underscores that his motivation at this stage of his career extends beyond dollars.
By accepting a below-market contract, Scherzer is prioritizing familiarity, comfort, and a legitimate opportunity to compete for another championship.
From Toronto's perspective, the move represents minimal financial risk. The commitment is smaller than the combined 2025 base salaries of Spencer Turnbull and José Ureña, which totaled just over $3 million.
In that light, the signing offers affordable rotation depth and the added benefit of Scherzer's leadership presence, a respected veteran returning to a clubhouse that clearly values him, both on and off the field.
Also read on Blue Jays Central :
Max Scherzer's daughter thankful for return Toronto, writes heartfelt letter to Blue Jays
Max Scherzer's daughter thankful for return Toronto, writes heartfelt letter to Blue Jays
| POLL | ||
FEVRIER 26|202 ANSWERS Interview: Max Scherzer talks about reunion with Toronto Blue Jays Do you think signing Max Scherzer to $3 Million + incentives is a good deal for the Toronto Blue Jays? | ||
| Yes | 188 | 93.1 % |
| No | 7 | 3.5 % |
| Too early to tell | 7 | 3.5 % |
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