Max Scherzer Signs 1-Year Deal to Return to Toronto Blue Jays for 2026

February 26, 2026 Alex Carter - Sports Editor Sport

Max Scherzer, the three-time Cy Young Award winner, is returning to the Toronto Blue Jays for the 2026 season, according to reports. The agreement, first reported by Jon Heyman of The New York Post, brings the veteran pitcher back to a team he helped reach the playoffs last year.

The deal is structured as a one-year contract with a base salary of $3 million, and includes the potential for up to $10 million in incentives, as reported by Sportsnet’s Shi Davidi. Negotiations between Scherzer and the Blue Jays had been gaining momentum in recent weeks, with Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith reporting last week that a one-year agreement was under discussion.

Scherzer, who will turn 42 during the 2026 season, is the second-oldest active player in Major League Baseball, trailing only Justin Verlander, who recently signed with the Detroit Tigers. He brings a wealth of experience to a Blue Jays rotation that already includes Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios, Shane Bieber, Trey Yesavage, Eric Lauer, Dylan Cease, and Cody Ponce.

Last season, Scherzer made three playoff starts for Toronto, including a start in Game 7 of the World Series, posting a 3.77 ERA with 11 strikeouts over 14.1 innings. During the regular season, he recorded 82 strikeouts over 85 innings, but struggled with a 5.19 ERA and a 1.294 WHIP.

The Blue Jays’ require for pitching depth has been amplified by recent injuries. Shane Bieber is currently dealing with forearm fatigue, delaying his spring training preparations, while Bowden Francis underwent season-ending UCL reconstruction surgery, according to Newsweek. The return of Scherzer provides a veteran presence and insurance for a rotation that faced uncertainty heading into the season.

Throughout his 19-year career, Scherzer has pitched for seven different franchises, including the Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, and Los Angeles Dodgers. He has amassed 3,489 strikeouts in 2,963 innings pitched, ranking 11th all-time in MLB history. He is an eight-time All-Star and a two-time World Series champion.