Max Scherzer is back.
On Wednesday evening, New York Post’s Jon Heyman reported that the Toronto Blue Jays have re-signed Scherzer to a deal worth $3 million with incentives that can earn him another $10 million..
Breaking: Max Scherzer goes back to Blue Jays
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) February 26, 2026
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It’s not that surprising of a move, as Sportsnet’s Ben Nicholson-Smith reported last Thursday that the Jays were in talks to bring Scherzer back. Moreover, it’s not surprising that Scherzer is back on a one-year deal as he’ll turn 42 years old in July.
While nothing is finalized, the Blue Jays’ talks with Max Scherzer have gotten more serious in the last week per industry sources.
Other clubs in mix but Blue Jays now appear to be his most serious pursuer on a possible one-year deal. More @Sportsnet soon.
— Ben Nicholson-Smith (@bnicholsonsmith) February 20, 2026
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Despite being drafted all the way back in 2006, Scherzer still has value. Last season, he finished with a 5.19 ERA and 4.99 FIP in 85 innings pitched over 17 starts, with a 22.9 K% and 6.4 BB%. The veteran righty had a strong month during the summer, posting a 3.14 ERA and 4.39 FIP in 43 innings from July 11th until August 19th, but struggled to end the regular season.
A big reason why the Blue Jays signed Scherzer ahead of the 2025 season was due to his intensity in big moments, and he made the signing absolutely worth it with his postseason. Over three starts, he had a 3.77 ERA and 5.58 FIP in 14.1 innings pitched, including his start in Game 7 of the World Series.
By bringing back Scherzer, the Jays get a veteran who is clearly appreciated in the dressing room. His postseason also proved that, despite not being the ace he once was, he can still be an effective big league pitcher.
Of course, this signing raises questions about the Blue Jays rotation. Before signing Scherzer, the Jays already had Trey Yesavage, Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease, José Berríos, Eric Lauer, and Cody Ponce. We already know that Bieber will be late to ramp up, but is there another injury? Is a starter getting traded?
Time will tell, but bringing back Scherzer just for his clubhouse presence alone seems like a worthwhile move. Hopefully, he can have a better season than last year.
Ryley Delaney is a Nation Network writer for Blue Jays Nation, Oilersnation, and FlamesNation. She can be followed on Twitter @Ryley__Delaney.