Max Scherzer: Ready to Return, but Waiting for the Right Call

Max Scherzer, the veteran pitcher and future Hall of Famer, is poised for his next move in Major League Baseball but is prepared to wait for the right opportunity. Recently speaking to The Athletic, Scherzer expressed confidence in his health and readiness to join a team, stating, "I’m healthy and ready to sign at any moment if certain teams call."

Key Details About Scherzer’s Situation

• Open to Opportunities: Scherzer is willing to let Opening Day pass, allowing time for starting positions to open on his preferred teams.
• Recent Performance: Last season, Scherzer played for the American League champion Toronto Blue Jays, recording a 5.19 ERA over 17 starts. However, his postseason performance saw him improve significantly, with a 3.77 ERA in three games.

Notable Postseason Highlights

• World Series Game 7: Scherzer took the mound for Game 7 against the Los Angeles Dodgers, impressively allowing just one run over 4 ⅓ innings.
• ALCS Win: He also earned a victory in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series by pitching 5 ⅔ innings and conceding only two runs in an 8-2 win.

Future Outlook

After the Blue Jays’ World Series loss, Scherzer confirmed his intent to continue playing, asserting, “There’s no way that was my last pitch.” Following a troublesome 2024 season marked by injuries, he signed a one-year, $15.5 million deal with Toronto in February 2025.

Current Free Agency Landscape

As the 2026 baseball season approaches, Scherzer joins a group of high-profile free agent pitchers including Framber Valdez, Zac Gallen, and Justin Verlander.

• Active Wins: With 221 career wins, Scherzer ranks second among active pitchers, trailing only Verlander, who holds 266 wins.

Conclusion

Max Scherzer’s readiness to step back onto the field adds an exciting element to the upcoming baseball season. Following a successful postseason and with plenty of determination, the three-time Cy Young Award winner remains on the cusp of a significant decision—waiting patiently for the right team to call.

For the latest updates on MLB free agency, players’ stats, and more, visit MLB.com.