Toronto – In the Blue Jays’ season‑final game on Sunday, veteran right‑hander Max Scherzer, 42, took the mound with a clear message: his decision about a possible 2027 return will come later in the offseason.
“I’m going to make this decision about playing next year later in the offseason,” Scherzer told reporters after the game. “I’ve gone through ups and downs throughout the season, I get it, but I’ve gotten to the point where I’m pretty healthy. I’ve talked to everybody in my inner circle and we all kind of feel the same way. We don’t need to make a decision today. Get to the offseason and see how things unfold.”
Season finale and personal milestones
Starting the game against the visiting Cincinnati Reds, Scherzer acknowledged the possibility that Sunday could be his final appearance. “I just want to go out there and pitch, knowing that you never know, it could be my last,” he said, noting his 3‑9 record and career‑worst 6.14 ERA in 17 starts this season.
He also highlighted the personal significance of pitching in front of his children, who were in school and unable to travel with the team to Baltimore earlier in the week. “It gives me a chance to pitch in front of my kids one more time, if it is the end. If it’s not, who knows?” Scherzer added.
Career overview
A two‑time World Series champion, three‑time Cy Young Award winner and eight‑time All‑Star, Scherzer boasts a 224‑126 record over 500 games (491 starts) and ranks ninth all‑time in strikeouts with 3,550. His career has taken him from the Arizona Diamondbacks and Detroit Tigers to the Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Texas Rangers and now the Toronto Blue Jays.
When asked about his health and outlook, Scherzer emphasized staying healthy and enjoying the game. “For me, right now it’s just about being healthy, pitching in this last game and having fun with it, then seeing what happens. I really don’t have any expectations of what happens. Pitching is so much fun. You never know. Really, I have no idea,” he said.
As the Blue Jays close out the regular season, all eyes will be on Scherzer’s performance and the decision he will announce in the coming months regarding a potential 20th season in 2027.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
