Trending Now - Scherzer Returns to Blue Jays Camp for Spring Training

WHO:

Max Scherzer, 41-year-old right-handed pitcher

John Schneider, Blue Jays manager

Toronto Blue Jays, Major League Baseball team

Justin Verlander, active pitcher with more career strikeouts than Scherzer

Walter Johnson, Hall of Famer with more career strikeouts than Scherzer

WHAT:

Scherzer threw a bullpen session for the Blue Jays on Monday, March 2, 2026.

He is expected to throw again on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, and could pitch in an exhibition game next weekend.

Scherzer signed a one-year contract worth $3 million for the 2026 season, with the potential to earn an additional $10 million in performance bonuses.

He had a record of 5-5 with a 5.19 ERA in 17 starts and 85 innings for the Blue Jays in 2025.

Scherzer made three postseason starts in 2025, including two in the World Series against the Los Angeles Dodgers.

He has won two World Series titles, in 2019 with Washington and in 2023 with Texas.

Scherzer's career record is 221-117 with a 3.22 ERA across teams including the Diamondbacks, Tigers, Nationals, Dodgers, Mets, Rangers, and Blue Jays.

He ranks 11th on the all-time strikeout list with 3,489 strikeouts.

WHERE:

Dunedin, Florida, at the Blue Jays' spring training camp.

WHEN:

Scherzer's bullpen session occurred on Monday, March 2, 2026.

He is scheduled to throw again on Wednesday, March 4, 2026.

The exhibition game he could pitch in is expected to take place the weekend of March 7-8, 2026.

WHY:

Scherzer's daughter wrote a letter to the Blue Jays in December 2025, expressing her hope for his return to the team.

HOW:

Scherzer has been throwing to free-agent hitters on his own prior to returning to the Blue Jays.

During his bullpen session, he had someone stand in as a batter and called his own balls and strikes.

Max Scherzer, the 41-year-old right-handed pitcher, threw a bullpen session for the Toronto Blue Jays on Monday, March 2, and is set to throw again on Wednesday, March 4, with the possibility of pitching in an exhibition game next weekend. Scherzer, who signed a one-year contract worth $3 million with the team, had a record of 5-5 and a 5.19 ERA in 2025, and he ranks 11th on the all-time strikeout list with 3,489 strikeouts. His return to the Blue Jays was inspired by a heartfelt letter from his daughter, expressing her hope for him to come back to the team.