Max Scherzer gave the Toronto Blue Jays a memorable performance in the final game of the 2026 regular season, pitching on short rest and helping Toronto defeat the Cincinnati Reds 5-1 on Sunday, September 27.
The veteran right-hander struck out seven batters over seven-plus innings, earned his 225th career victory and finished the season with 3,557 strikeouts. With Scherzer still undecided about his future, the performance could become an important chapter in the closing stages of his MLB career.
Max Scherzer Dominates on Short Rest
Scherzer entered the Blue Jays’ season finale just three days after his previous outing. Despite the short turnaround, the 42-year-old delivered one of his most impressive performances of the season.
He allowed six hits and one run while walking only one batter. Scherzer threw a season-high 114 pitches, with 77 going for strikes.
The seven strikeouts pushed his career total to 3,557, which ranks ninth in MLB history. He finished just three strikeouts behind former teammate Justin Verlander on the all-time list.
The Blue Jays eventually removed Scherzer after he walked Oswaldo Cabrera to begin the eighth inning. He received another loud ovation from the Rogers Centre crowd as he handed the ball to manager John Schneider.
Blue Jays Beat Reds 5-1
The Blue Jays backed Scherzer with enough offense to secure a 5-1 victory over Cincinnati.
Brandon Valenzuela hit a two-run home run, while Charles McAdoo added a solo homer as Toronto finished the season with a win. The Blue Jays ended the regular season with a 79-83 record.
For Scherzer, however, the biggest storyline was his performance on the mound and the possibility that it could be his final MLB appearance.
A Special Moment at Rogers Centre
Before the game even began, the Rogers Centre crowd gave Scherzer a standing ovation.
The sellout crowd of 42,131 watched as Scherzer walked onto the field by himself before his teammates briefly stayed in the dugout. He acknowledged the fans with a wave before preparing for the final start of Toronto’s season.
After leaving the game in the eighth inning, Scherzer embraced his teammates and then climbed into the stands to hug his wife and children.
The moment carried additional significance because Scherzer has not decided whether he will return for another MLB season.
Is Max Scherzer Retiring?
Max Scherzer has not announced his retirement.
Before the season finale, he said that he planned to wait until the offseason before deciding whether he wanted to play a 20th major league season in 2027.
Scherzer explained that he wanted to step away from the immediate demands of the season and take time to consider his options. He also indicated that he and people close to him had discussed his future, but there was no need to make the decision immediately.
His latest performance gives him another reason to take time before making that decision.
Max Scherzer’s 2026 Season
The 2026 campaign was not statistically one of Scherzer’s strongest seasons.
Entering the final game, he had a 3-9 record and a career-worst 6.14 ERA across 17 starts. He had also dealt with the physical challenges that come with pitching at age 42.
However, his season finale changed the tone of the final chapter.
Against Cincinnati, Scherzer showed that he could still work deep into a game, generate strikeouts and handle a heavy workload. His 114-pitch outing was his highest total of the season.
He finished with a 4-9 record after earning the victory.
Scherzer Reaches 225 Career Wins
The victory against Cincinnati was particularly significant because it moved Scherzer to 225 career MLB wins.
He also finished with 3,557 strikeouts, placing him ninth on MLB’s all-time strikeout list. Those numbers add to a career that already includes three Cy Young Awards and two World Series championships.
Scherzer’s career résumé has made him one of the defining pitchers of his generation.
What Comes Next for the Blue Jays?
With the regular season complete, attention now shifts to the Blue Jays’ offseason and Scherzer’s future.
Toronto will have to determine its pitching plans for 2027 while Scherzer considers whether he wants to continue playing. At this stage, there is no confirmed decision about whether he will return to the Blue Jays or pitch for another club.
Scherzer’s comments make clear that the decision will come later in the offseason rather than immediately after the season finale.
Max Scherzer’s MLB Future Remains Uncertain
For now, the status of Max Scherzer remains open.
His final appearance of 2026 ended with seven strikeouts, seven-plus innings and his 225th career victory. It was also a performance that received repeated standing ovations from Blue Jays fans.
Whether it becomes Scherzer’s final MLB game will depend on the decision he makes during the offseason.
For the moment, the veteran pitcher has left the question unanswered while preparing to take time away from baseball and evaluate what comes next.
Conclusion
Max Scherzer finished the 2026 regular season in memorable fashion. Pitching on short rest, he struck out seven over seven-plus innings, threw 114 pitches and earned his 225th career victory as the Blue Jays defeated the Reds 5-1.
Scherzer has not announced his retirement and plans to decide during the offseason whether he will play a 20th MLB season in 2027.
For now, his performance against Cincinnati stands as a notable moment in an extraordinary career.
FAQs
Is Max Scherzer retiring?
Max Scherzer has not announced his retirement. He plans to make a decision about playing in 2027 during the offseason.
How did Max Scherzer perform against the Reds?
Scherzer struck out seven batters over seven-plus innings, allowed one run and six hits, walked one and threw 114 pitches.
How many career wins does Max Scherzer have?
Scherzer recorded his 225th career MLB victory against Cincinnati on September 27, 2026.
How many strikeouts does Max Scherzer have?
Scherzer finished the 2026 regular season with 3,557 career strikeouts, ninth-most in MLB history.
Will Max Scherzer play in 2027?
That remains undecided. Scherzer said he will wait until the offseason before deciding whether to play a 20th major league season.
Are the Blue Jays keeping Max Scherzer?
There is no confirmed decision on Scherzer’s 2027 team. His future will be addressed during the offseason.
Leave a Reply