Max Scherzer just finished his regular season with a 5-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds, racking up seven strikeouts and his 225th career victory, but a single out cost him a cool $1 million. Talk about a brutal way to end a season!
So Close, Yet So Far
The veteran righty, at 42 years old, was absolutely dealing in what felt like vintage form on Sunday. He went seven strong innings on 114 pitches, even pitching on just three days of rest. He came out for the eighth inning, but after walking the first batter, his day was done. That walk was the kicker. He finished the season with 84.2 innings pitched, just one out shy of hitting the mark for a $1 million contract bonus. Ouch.
Blue Jays’ Big Decision
Scherzer already cashed in $2 million this season for clearing both 65 and 75 innings pitched. The way his contract works, he had another $1 million incentive waiting for every 10 innings pitched after that 75-inning threshold. Missing it by one out is brutal, especially as he could be nearing the end of his legendary career. Now the ball’s in the Blue Jays’ court. Will they follow the New York Yankees’ lead? The Yankees famously paid Hall of Famer CC Sabathia a $500,000 bonus even when he was ejected and fell six outs short of his 155-inning incentive. It’s a tough call, but man, after seeing him turn back the clock with that performance, you gotta feel for the guy.
What happens next with that $1 million is anyone’s guess, but Scherzer definitely gave us a classic final regular-season start.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Bleacher Report.
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