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Blue Jays' Max Scherzer Makes Announcement on Tuesday

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Hugh Green | Last updated Mar 3, 2026 11:09 AM ET

Toronto Blue Jays starting right-hander has solidified himself as one of the greatest pitchers of his generation. Through 18 years in Major League Baseball, Scherzer has made 483 appearances with a record of 221-117 and a 3.22 ERA in 2,963 innings pitched. He's struck out 3,489 batters while walking 779.

Scherzer has made eight MLB All-Star Game appearances, won three Cy Young Awards, one in the American League and two in the National League, and two World Series titles.

The 41-year-old has played for seven different organizations during his time in the majors, most notably the Detroit Tigers and Washington Nationals. The 2025 season was Scherzer's first with the Blue Jays.

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer (31) throws a pitch.Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

He did not have the greatest regular season with Toronto in 2025, going 5-5 in 17 starts with an ERA of 5.19 in 85 innings. This ERA was the worst number of his illustrious career. Despite the struggles in the regular season, Scherzer turned it around in the playoffs. In three starts, including Game 7 of the World Series, he had a 3.77 ERA across 14 1/3 innings with 11 strikeouts and six walks.

This offseason, there were talks that Scherzer may hang up the cleats, as his contract with Toronto last season was for just one year. However, he decided to return to the Blue Jays on a one-year, $3 million deal.

Scherzer missed many starts last season with thumb issues, and that was one concern for Blue Jays fans after the team re-signed him. However, he put those worries to rest on Tuesday, according to MLB.com's Keegan Matheson.

"Max Scherzer says he’ll be ready for the start of the season and is completely past his thumb issues. 'I feel good. I feel healthy. I just want to pitch,'" Matheson said.

Max Scherzer says he’ll be ready for the start of the season and is completely past his thumb issues.

“I feel good. I feel healthy. I just want to pitch.” #BlueJays
— Keegan Matheson (@KeeganMatheson) March 3, 2026

Having Scherzer healthy for the start of the regular season would be a great sign for Toronto, which was very active in free agency this offseason. In addition to re-signing Scherzer, the Blue Jays picked up starters Dylan Cease and Cody Ponce, relief pitcher Tyler Rogers and infielder Kazuma Okamoto, among others.

Toronto will begin its season on March 27 against the Athletics at Rogers Centre at 7:07 p.m. ET.

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

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