+34
TORONTO — Max Scherzer wasn't ready to call it quits just yet.
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer acknowledges the crowd after moving into sole possession of ninth place on the all-time strikeouts list against the Seattle Mariners during first inning MLB baseball action in Toronto, on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jon Blacker - The Canadian Pressin a scheduling decision that appeared to give the surefire Hall of Famer a proper sendoff in Toronto's final game of the season. But the 42-year-old told media Saturday that he will wait until the off-season to decide if he'll retire or play another season of Major League Baseball.
"I've gone through ups and downs through the season. I get it, but I've gotten to this point where I'm pretty healthy," said Scherzer, sitting in the' dugout at Rogers Centre.
"I've talked to everybody in my inner circle, and we all kind of feel the same way. Advertisement Scherzer noted that he's never had a serious injury over his Hall of Fame-calibre career, just nagging hurts and pains as he's gotten older. He was on Toronto's 15-day injured list from April 27 to June 10 with right forearm tendinitis and left ankle inflammation. After one start, he went back on the 15-day IL on June 14 with back spasms.
Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer reacts on the mound against the Baltimore Orioles during first inning MLB baseball action in Toronto on Friday, Sept. 11, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette Now that Scherzer's healthy again and says he's in mid-season form, he feels like he could pitch another season.
But there are other potential issues, including the likely labour disruption of either a lockout or strike when the collective agreement between MLB and the players' union expires this winter.
"We've also got a lot of uncertainty next year with all the labour issues, so you just don't know how the season's going to happen or unfold, or what opportunity is going to be in front of me," said Scherzer, who was a member of the MLBPA's executive subcommittee in the early 2020s. "It's been kind of actually freeing. I've been thinking about it this way for the past say six weeks here, and nothing's really changed.
"We keep kind of circling back to the same thing and I feel good about it. So, for me, I just want to go out there and pitch tomorrow, knowing that hey, you never know; it could be my last, just in case.
"He has amassed a 224-126 record with a 3.29 earned-run average over 500 games. His 3,550 strikeouts rank ninth on the all-time MLB list, four behind"I've texted him like a little bit over the past day. I know he's definitely at his end, and I'm really looking forward to seeing him go out there and pitch, and for everything he's done in the game and accomplished," said Scherzer.
"It's going to be a big moment for him, and I've really enjoyed watching him be able to get back out there one more time. "Toronto Blue Jays' Max Scherzer pitches against the Detroit Tigers during first inning MLB action in Toronto, on Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Keito Newman Scherzer insisted he wasn't considering sticking around for another season to surpass Verlander's strikeout total.
"It's funny how that's unfolding," said Scherzer, who was teammates with Verlander on the Tigers and later theHis fiery and sometimes quirky personality earned Scherzer the nickname "Mad Max," but Blue Jays manager John Schneider said Scherzer was a joy to manage in Scherzer's two years in Toronto. "It's been really cool, really exhausting at times, really funny at times," said Schneider with a smile.
"I think overall, just getting to see inside of his process and his brain has been really eye-opening on how he views the game, how he prepares, how he navigates the day-to-day with his teammates and the staff.
Please follow us on Google to support usToronto Blue Jays The Canadian Press Justin Verlander MLB Rogers Centre Blue Jays
Canada Latest News, Canada Headlines
Similar News: You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. defends contract remarks after Blue Jays eliminated from playoff raceToronto Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. faced backlash for comments suggesting his $500 million contract was for past achievements rather than future performance, shortly after the team was eliminated from MLB playoff contention.
Read more »
Blue Jays are handcuffed to underperforming Guerrero for 13 more yearsTone-deaf interview showed $500-million fading slugger is fundamentally detached from the real world
Read more »
Max Scherzer to Wait Until Offseason to Decide on 20th MLB Season in 2027Blue Jays right-hander Max Scherzer says he will wait until the offseason to decide whether to retire or return for a 20th major league season, as he prepares to start Sunday's season finale on short rest against Cincinnati.
Read more »
Max Scherzer Will Decide on Retirement in Off-Season After Blue Jays Final StartMax Scherzer said he will wait until the off-season to decide whether to retire or pitch another season, after making what could be his final start for the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday against the Cincinnati Reds.
Read more »