Max Scherzer prioritized returning to Toronto Blue Jays in free agency
Photo credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
Eight-time All-Star Max Scherzer made one thing clear when he hit free agency this winter: if possible, he wanted to be back with the Toronto Blue Jays.
In the emotional aftermath of the Toronto Blue Jays Game 7 loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the World Series, Max Scherzer, who started the decisive game - stood at the podium and delivered a firm message.
«There's no way that was my last pitch."
True to form, he backed it up.The 41-year-old right-hander is returning for a 19th major-league season after agreeing to a one-year, incentive-laden deal worth at least $3 million.
Speaking with Sportsnet's Jeff Blair and Kevin Barker, Scherzer said his desire to come back never faded, even during a condensed offseason that followed a deep playoff run into November.
There wasn't much time to second-guess anything. Preparing for 2026 began almost immediately.
Scherzer admitted he wasn't certain how his market would develop, but he was determined to be selective. At this stage of his career, fit matters as much as opportunity.
Ultimately, the situation aligned exactly how he'd hoped.
«Toronto was definitely a team I wanted to come back to,» Scherzer said. «I loved the clubhouse and what we built last year. It was a great fit for me and my family.»
Scherzer's offseason preparation is meticulous, feels great
His 2025 campaign wasn't without adversity. A lingering right thumb issue sidelined him shortly after his debut, forcing the Blue Jays to shut him down early.
But by October, the veteran had the injury under control - and it showed.
Scherzer delivered when it mattered most, including a standout Game 4 outing against the Seattle Mariners in the ALCS, allowing two runs over 5.2 innings while striking out five.
He went on to make two World Series starts, with his final appearance coming Nov. 1 - the latest he's ever pitched in a season, and during his age-40 year no less.
While that workload might disrupt a typical offseason routine, Scherzer's preparation remains meticulous.
He follows a strict winter program, tracking checkpoints to ensure he's physically ready when spring training arrives.
«I've had a good offseason. I've checked all my boxes,» he said. «I'm feeling great.»
After making 17 regular-season starts last year - 16 after June 25 - questions remain about how many outings he'll log in 2026.
With Toronto boasting a crowded rotation, his exact role is still uncertain.
But if history is any guide, Scherzer will find a way to make his presence felt once again.
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| POLL | ||
MARS 1|100 ANSWERS Max Scherzer prioritized returning to Toronto Blue Jays in free agency Do you think Max Scherzer will have a healthier season in 2026? | ||
| Yes | 79 | 79 % |
| No | 8 | 8 % |
| Too early to tell | 13 | 13 % |
| List of polls | ||