Jays' Scherzer shuts down any retirement speculation

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer. Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Max Scherzer shuts down any retirement speculation following World Series defeat

By Seth Carlson | Last updated Nov 2, 2025 9:47 AM ET

As one legend calls it a career after the 2025 World Series (the Los Angeles Dodgers' Clayton Kershaw), another plans to keep chugging along in 2026.

Toronto Blue Jays right-hander Max Scherzer was on the wrong side of a thrilling Game 7, which the Dodgers won to repeat as World Series champions. But his 4.1 innings of one-run baseball in Saturday's winner-take-all contest were far from the reason his team lost.

In fact, the 41-year-old pitched admirably throughout the Blue Jays' October run, finishing the postseason with a 3.77 ERA in three starts. That was certainly an improvement over his regular-season ERA of 5.19 in 17 total starts, the latter figures casting doubt over his future viability in MLB.

Fans can indeed expect "Mad Max" to return next year, though. The future Hall of Famer confirmed to reporters that he hasn't thrown his final pitch.

Max Scherzer intends to keep playing. “I can’t see how that’s the last pitch I’ve ever thrown.”
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) November 2, 2025

Max Scherzer isn't ready to retire from MLB just yet

That said, there will still be lingering questions about Scherzer's stamina over a grueling 162-game campaign. His playoff performance could conceivably persuade a pitching-needy club that he's got some nastiness left in the tank despite the subpar regular-season results and his health in 2025. It's hard to ignore the decorated pitcher's competitive drive and penchant for winning. All but one of the teams Scherzer has played for during his career have made the postseason.

Perhaps he returns to Toronto, where the Blue Jays should expect to need pitching depth again next year. However, don't expect a litany of suitors for Scherzer, at least not while better pitching upgrades exist on both the free agency and trade fronts.

Wherever Scherzer ends up next season, one thing remains true: His path to Cooperstown remains a straight one. It's just a matter of delaying the inevitable at this point.

Seth Carlson

Seth Carlson is an experienced writer and editor based in the NYC area with a particular love for all things baseball. He has a demonstrated history of delivering insightful analysis and engaging content across multiple outlets and industries. Seth brings his expertise and commitment to high-quality coverage to Yardbarker’s readers.

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