Blue Jays Make Max Scherzer Decision at Spring Training

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Mar 8, 2026 6:07 PM ET

The Toronto Blue Jays pitching staff looks like it will be a major strength for the organization in 2026. Toronto’s front office added four starting pitchers in free agency, signing Dylan Cease to a seven‑year, $210 million deal, bringing in right‑hander Cody Ponce from the KBO and re‑signing both veterans Shane Bieber and Max Scherzer.

The most recent of those moves was Scherzer, who finalized his one‑year contract in early March. The 41‑year‑old is coming off a career‑worst 5.19 ERA across 17 starts, but his efforts in October, including starting Game 7 of the World Series, helped pave the way for his return.

Scherzer’s role with the team will be as a starting pitcher in the back end of a rotation that is filled with depth from top to bottom.

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer (31) © Dan Hamilton-Imagn Images

Scherzer reported to spring training even before his contract became official, determined to build himself up to be ready with Opening Day just weeks away.

This is an important spring for Scherzer, who is hoping to avoid the injuries that have slowed him in recent years. Last season, he opened the year on the injured list with right‑thumb inflammation, an issue that bothered him throughout the season.

Fortunately for the Blue Jays, everything has gone smoothly so far. Scherzer made his first spring training start this past Saturday for Toronto and looked sharp, pitching four scoreless innings while allowing zero hits and zero runs.

The Blue Jays announced through manager John Schneider that Scherzer will make his next start in exactly one week, this upcoming Saturday against the Detroit Tigers (h/t Ben Nicholson-Smith of Sportsnet).

Max Scherzer’s next spring start slated for Saturday per John Schneider

Dylan Cease Tuesday

No plans for Trey Yesavage to get into games as of this moment but he continues building up
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) March 8, 2026

This could mirror Scherzer’s turnaround in the regular season, with the Blue Jays likely to use a six‑man rotation given their depth. What is most encouraging is that Scherzer already was able to toss four innings, which suggests he should be at full strength by Opening Day.

Scherzer has built an impressive career legacy across 18 seasons and seven organizations. He has earned three Cy Young Awards, eight All‑Star selections and two World Series championships. He has nothing left to prove and will be heading to the Hall of Fame when he retires.

For now, his focus is clearly on the current season with Toronto, where he will get another chance to help deliver a World Series title back to a team that came up just one win short in 2025.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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