Max Scherzer to make decision on MLB future after his 19th season
· Yahoo Sports
The Toronto Blue Jays entered the 2026 MLB season with sky-high expectations after reaching the World Series in 2025. However, their season has not gone according to plan.
The reigning American League champions have looked like a completely different squad, entering Wednesday’s doubleheader against the Baltimore Orioles with a 77-80 record.
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In fourth place in the AL East and four games out of the final Wild Card spot, the Blue Jays’ postseason hopes are essentially gone. Toronto has struggled to find consistency throughout the season, and veteran starter Max Scherzer has endured a challenging season of his own.
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The 42-year-old is 3-8 with a 6.07 ERA and 1.362 WHIP across 72.2 innings in 16 starts. Scherzer has also dealt with multiple injuries that may have hindered his rhythm throughout the year. He has been placed on the 15-day IL twice this season and also suffered a setback during one of his rehab assignments in July.
Now, with Scherzer’s 19th MLB season nearing an end, questions are beginning to circulate regarding what could be next for one of the most accomplished pitchers of his generation.
Eyes on the Finish Line
Jun 10, 2026; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer (31) celebrates his career 3500th strike out against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Sousa-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)Scherzer made it clear that he is not ready to publicly answer that question yet. Hazel Mae of Sportsnet recently shared a quote from Scherzer on X.
“I don’t know if I want to publicly say, yet. I’d rather keep the blinders up and address once the season’s over.. I’m not limping to the finish line, I’m accelerating through the finish line.. want to keep the focus on just getting to [the] finish line,” Scherzer said.
A Hall of Fame Résumé
While he seems to be keeping the focus on finishing this season strong, whenever Scherzer does retire, it will mark the end of a legendary career. The eight-time All-Star has won three Cy Young Awards and two World Series championships. He earned his first ring in 2019 with the Washington Nationals, and his second in 2023 with the Texas Rangers.
Scherzer has also climbed his way to ninth all-time in career strikeouts, with 3,543 and counting.
A return in 2027 would give Scherzer his 20th MLB season and an opportunity to finish on a stronger note after a difficult season. However, if he does choose to retire, he will be remembered as one of the most dominant and competitive pitchers of the 21st century.
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