Max Scherzer’s Shocking Return to Blue Jays Sets Stage for Unbelievable 19th MLB Season After World Series Drama

Max Scherzer isn’t packing his bags just yet. Late Wednesday night, word came down that Scherzer is inkin’ a fresh deal to stay with the Toronto Blue Jays, as reported by the New York Post’s own Jon Heyman. The new contract? A one-year pact valued at $3 million, but with the tantalizing possibility of raking in up to $10 million more through incentives, as SportsNet’s Shi Davidi reveals. It turns out, both sides have been eyeing this reunion for quite some time, bubbling with mutual interest.

This means the 41-year-old ace is gearing up for his 19th season in Major League Baseball. Scherzer made a splashy debut way back in 2008 with the Arizona Diamondbacks, and over the years, he’s hoarded an impressive haul: three Cy Young awards, eight All-Star selections, and World Series championships with the Nationals and Rangers before last season’s move to Toronto.

Despite a career-high 5.19 ERA last year and a 5-5 record across 17 starts—with pesky injuries, including a thumb setback, cutting into his rhythm—Scherzer was pivotal in driving the Jays all the way to the World Series. Heck, he even started Game 7 against the Dodgers in a nail-biter that went 11 innings, ultimately slipping away 5-4.

And Toronto isn’t resting easy with Scherzer’s return adding to an already stacked rotation. With fresh signings like Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce, and Shane Bieber (still on the mend), plus stalwarts Kevin Gausman, José Berrios, and postseason breakout Trey Yesavage, the Blue Jays are loaded for another deep run.

The team’s payroll is already mammoth—fourth highest in the league at around $280 million before factoring in Scherzer’s new deal—making it crystal clear that Toronto’s set on chasing World Series glory once more. Sure, Scherzer’s impact hinges on his health and he’s not quite the young gun he used to be, but this future Hall of Famer remains a priceless piece of the puzzle for as long as he’s willing to pitch.

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Max Scherzer isn’t going anywhere.

Scherzer struck a deal to return to the Toronto Blue Jays late Wednesday night, according to the New York Post’s Jon Heyman. The one-year, $3 million deal includes up to $10 million in incentives, via SportsNet’s Shi Davidi. There was reportedly strong mutual interest in a new contract for quite some time.

That means Scherzer will return for a 19th season in Major League Baseball. The 41-year-old made his debut in 2008 with the Arizona Diamondbacks, and he’s picked up three Cy Young awards, eight All-Star nods and World Series titles with the Washington Nationals and Texas Rangers before he landed in Toronto last offseason.

Scherzer held a career-high 5.19 ERA last season, and he went 5-5 in 17 starts. He spent significant time on the injured list last season, including a thumb injury that impacted him early. Scherzer helped the Blue Jays reach the World Series after a dominant playoff run and he made the start for the franchise in Game 7 against the Los Angeles Dodgers. The Blue Jays ended up falling 5-4 in 11 innings in that contest.

Scherzer marks the latest addition to a crowded rotation in Toronto. The team signed Dylan Cease, Cody Ponce and Shane Bieber — though Bieber is still recovering from an injury of his own — this offseason. They still have stars Kevin Gausman and José Berrios, and Trey Yesavage is coming off a stellar postseason run.

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The Blue Jays have the fourth-highest payroll for next season with about $280 million committed before Scherzer’s deal. Clearly, the franchise is committed to making a return trip to the World Series to finish the job.

While a lot of Scherzer’s impact will be dependent on his health, and he’s certainly not the pitcher he once was at this late stage of his career, the future Hall of Famer is undoubtedly a great piece to keep in the rotation as long as he wants to be there.