Max Scherzer walked off the mound in Game 7 of the World Series with a lead.
Max Scherzer will join a Blue Jays club in great position to compete for another trip to the World Series. | Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
The Toronto Blue Jays didn’t finish the job, but Scherzer did his part — delivering 4 1/3 innings of one-run baseball before handing the ball to a bullpen that couldn’t close out what became an instant classic. Months later, that image still lingers.
Now, the Blue Jays are running it back.
Scherzer has agreed to return to Toronto on a one-year deal worth a $3 million base salary, with up to $10 million available in incentives. The structure says as much about Toronto’s vision as it does about Scherzer’s current stage of career.
This isn’t about asking a 41-year-old to anchor a rotation.
It’s about October.
Toronto’s staff already features Kevin Gausman, Dylan Cease, and additional offseason reinforcement in Cody Ponce. That depth allows the Blue Jays to deploy Scherzer strategically rather than lean on him every fifth day.
The incentive-heavy deal — tied largely to workload — provides flexibility. If he stays healthy and builds innings gradually, both sides win. If durability becomes an issue, Toronto isn’t overextended financially.
Last season, Scherzer made 17 starts and threw 85 innings, finishing 5-5 with a 5.19 ERA. It was statistically the toughest regular season of his career. But his postseason work told a different story.
In three playoff starts, he steadied the rotation and proved he could still handle the biggest stage in the sport.
That matters to manager John Schneider, who has openly praised Scherzer’s intensity and leadership. Keeping that presence in the clubhouse — especially on a roster with championship aspirations — is part of the value.
The deal also protects Toronto from inevitable rotation attrition. Injuries happen. Young arms fluctuate. A six-man rotation remains an option early in the season, allowing Scherzer to ramp up without overexposure.
The contract is modest at its core, but meaningful in design.
Toronto isn’t paying for past Cy Young awards. It’s investing in high-leverage innings, postseason reliability, and veteran composure when the margin shrinks.
The Blue Jays fell just short last year.
Bringing Scherzer back won’t guarantee a different ending.
But if October arrives again with another Game 7, Toronto clearly wants the option of handing him the ball — and this time, finishing the script.
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