Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer is heading into Sunday’s game against the visiting Cincinnati Reds not knowing if it will be his final MLB appearance, even after a season where his team missed the playoffs and he put up a career-high 6.14 ERA. Talk about a tough way to potentially go out!
The “You Never Know” Factor
Scherzer, who turned 42 in July, told reporters Saturday that he’s been eyeing this game for a couple of weeks, with a specific goal in mind: pitching in front of his kids, who couldn’t make it to his most recent start against the Orioles. He got real about the moment, admitting, “Just want to go out there and pitch tomorrow knowing that, hey, you never know, it could be my last.” That’s a heavy thought for a guy who’s been a force in this league for so long.
Health Woes and Record Numbers
This upcoming start will be just his 18th of the season, a number that tells a big part of the story. Scherzer spent significant stretches of this campaign on the injured list, battling thumb issues in his first Toronto season, and then dealing with right forearm tendinitis, left ankle inflammation, and back spasms this year. These health struggles clearly impacted his on-field performance, as he enters Sunday with a career-worst 6.14 ERA and a 1.365 WHIP across 77.2 innings pitched. He did re-sign with the Jays for a one-year, $3 million deal last offseason, but staying healthy has been a constant battle for the veteran.
What’s Next for Mad Max?
Despite the tough season, Scherzer told reporters he feels healthier going into the offseason. He’s talked with his “inner circle” and they all agree: no decision needs to be made today. He’s looking to see how things unfold, especially with the upcoming expiration of MLB’s labor agreement impacting his plans for 2027. This Sunday’s start will cap off a 19-year MLB career that includes three Cy Young Awards with the Washington Nationals and World Series titles with both the Nationals and Texas Rangers. His future at age 43 and as an unrestricted free agent will depend on his health, how the Blue Jays react to their stymied World Series hopes, and those ongoing CBA negotiations.
So, as Scherzer toes the rubber on Sunday for what could be his final start, the baseball world watches. Will this be it for one of the game’s greatest, or will he come back for an age-43 season? The offseason will reveal all.
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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