The Toronto Blue Jays were one swing — just 90 feet — away from rewriting franchise history.
Toronto Blue Jays hat and glove | John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Instead, they’re still living with the aftermath.
Game 7 of last year’s World Series ended in heartbreak at home, as the Los Angeles Dodgers walked it off in extra innings. A Will Smith solo home run in the 11th sealed the outcome, leaving Toronto stunned and searching for answers that never fully came.
Months later, that moment hasn’t faded.
If anything, it still burns.
Max Scherzer | Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images
As the Blue Jays turned the page to a new season, the messaging out of spring training sounded optimistic. The focus was on moving forward, learning from the loss, and chasing another opportunity.
But for Max Scherzer, moving on isn’t really the point.
After rejoining Toronto late in spring training, the veteran right-hander made it clear that the pain from that Game 7 loss hasn’t gone anywhere — and shouldn’t.
In his words, some losses aren’t meant to be forgotten.
Scherzer spoke candidly before his season debut, emphasizing that falling just short of a championship leaves a different kind of mark. It’s not something time erases. It’s something that stays with you — and fuels you.
That mindset is exactly what the Blue Jays are leaning into as they begin a new campaign.
At 41, Scherzer isn’t just another arm in the rotation. He represents experience, intensity, and a relentless competitive edge — the kind of presence that can shape a clubhouse chasing unfinished business.
Toronto didn’t rush him back into action, carefully managing his build-up after signing him mid-spring. But now, as he prepares to take the mound, the motivation is clear.
This isn’t just about another season.
It’s about finishing what slipped away.
The Blue Jays enter 2026 with a roster many believe is deeper and more complete, particularly on the pitching side. If the rotation stays healthy, expectations will once again point toward October.
But as last year proved, getting there is only part of the challenge.
Closing the deal is something else entirely.
For Scherzer, that difference is personal. Being that close — and watching it disappear — leaves a mark that doesn’t fade with time or distance.
And maybe that’s exactly what Toronto needs.
Because for teams chasing a championship, the memory of falling short can either linger… or it can drive everything that comes next.
The Blue Jays are betting it will be the latter.
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