Max Scherzer will wait until the offseason to decide whether to retire, the Toronto Blue Jays right-hander said Saturday, leaving open the possibility of returning for a 20th major league season.
The 42-year-old said he had discussed his future with the people closest to him and saw no reason to make an immediate decision. He described himself as healthy enough to consider pitching again after a season interrupted by several trips to the injured list.
“We don’t need to make a decision today,” Scherzer told reporters at Rogers Centre. “Get to the off-season and just see how things unfold.”
Toronto named him to start Sunday’s season finale against Cincinnati on three days’ rest. Scherzer said he wanted another opportunity to pitch with his wife and children in attendance, in case it proved to be his final appearance.
He entered the weekend with 224 career wins and 3,550 strikeouts, ninth on MLB’s all-time list. The three-time Cy Young Award winner said the possibility of overtaking former teammate Justin Verlander in strikeouts was not driving his decision about another season.
Scherzer and Verlander pitched together in Detroit from 2010 through 2014. With Verlander preparing for his final start Saturday, Scherzer said they had exchanged messages and expressed his hope that his former teammate would have a successful farewell.
Scherzer’s own health has been a recurring issue in Toronto this year. Forearm and ankle problems put him on the injured list in late April, and back spasms sent him back there in June shortly after his return.
His comments did not amount to a commitment to play in 2027. Scherzer said he would weigh the opportunities available to him and the uncertainty surrounding next season before deciding whether to continue.
The Blue Jays’ season is ending without a playoff appearance after they were eliminated during their series against Baltimore. The Orioles beat Toronto 4–2 in the first game of Wednesday’s doubleheader to end the Blue Jays’ postseason hopes.
For Scherzer, the end of Toronto’s schedule therefore creates time to make a separate decision about his career. He has confirmed neither retirement nor a return.
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