Toronto Blue Jays officially announce Max Scherzer signing

The club announced the veteran right-hander's return after he agreed to a one-year deal reportedly guaranteed at $3 million, with performance incentives that could push the total value to $10 million.

Represented by the Boras Corporation, Scherzer can earn his first $1 million bonus at 65 innings pitched and will receive an additional $1 million for every 10 innings thereafter, up to 155 innings.

Earlier in the day, Scherzer arrived at the Blue Jays' Player Development Complex in Dunedin and quickly got back to work.

The 17-year veteran threw a bullpen session in front of manager John Schneider, pitching coach Pete Walker, and several members of the pitching staff.

Following the session, Schneider told reporters that if all goes according to plan, Scherzer is lined up to start Saturday against the Philadelphia Phillies.

The manager joked that it was «nice catching up with Gramps» and added that it's "nice to have him back."

Schneider has long spoken highly of Scherzer, often calling him one of his favorite players he's ever managed.

The right-hander is known for lengthy, detail-driven meetings in the manager's office, where he dissects every element of the game.

That relentless preparation and competitive edge tend to resonate throughout the clubhouse.

Even at 41, Scherzer remains effective. Last season, he struck out 23 percent of the batters he faced while maintaining a sharp 6.4 percent walk rate.

His fastball averaged 93.6 mph - slightly up from 2024 - halting what had been a gradual dip in velocity during his late 30s.

On paper, Scherzer may slot in as a back-end starter, but his résumé and postseason pedigree offer far more than a typical depth arm.

He's proven he can still generate swings and misses and handle high-pressure moments.

He'll now have a chance to make an early impact on Toronto's rotation, with even an Opening Day assignment not entirely out of the question.

Monday's bullpen in Dunedin marked the first step, but with his trademark intensity and presence, «Mad Max» has officially returned.

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