Max Scherzer plans retirement after World Series Game 7

Matt Sullivan

Blue Jays' Max Scherzer reveals retirement decision after World Series Game 7 image

The Toronto Blue Jays lost a heartbreaker in Game 7 of the World Series to the Los Angeles Dodgers. They came so close to their first World Series since 1993, but came up short.

Max Scherzer, aged 41, was the starting pitcher for Toronto in Game 7. The experienced right-handed pitcher was assigned the duty of fronting the Blue Jays in their confrontation with a formidable Dodgers batting order. And he delivered. He went 4.1 innings, allowing one run, leaving the game with the lead.

With the season concluded, numerous questions remain regarding Scherzer's potential return to the Majors in 2026. As Jon Heyman of The New York Post shared on Twitter/X, Scherzer has no intention of calling it a career just yet.

Max Scherzer, Dodgers, Blue Jays: MLB future revealed

"I can't see how that's the last pitch I've ever thrown," Scherzer said of his intention to play in 2026.

Scherzer left the Blue Jays-Dodgers World Series in the top of the 5th inning after allowing Miguel Rojas to get on base with a single. Louis Varland came on in relief, getting Will Smith and Freddie Freeman out to finalize Scharzer's stat line.

In Game 7, Scherzer finished with 4.1 innings pitched, four hits allowed, one walk, one earned run, and three strikeouts in his best outing of the postseason, and one of his best of the season.

The 41-year-old signed a one-year, $15.5 million contract with the Blue Jays in free agency for the 2025 season. It nearly ended in a World Series, and whether it was due to how close he came or another reason, Scherzer isn't planning to call it a career yet.

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He's played 18 seasons in his future Hall of Fame career, and while his 5.19 ERA this season was the worst of his career, his performance in the playoffs in Game 7, and the fire he brought every game, helped the veteran become beloved in Toronto.

While he's yet to finalize any decision, as of now, all signs point to Scherzer coming back for at least one more season for his 19th overall. Whether it's with the Blue Jays or another organization is yet to be seen, but he plans to pitch in the Majors next season, regardless of where he ends up.

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Staff Writer