Blue Jays: A successful season from Max Scherzer is more than the numbers
The future Hall of Famer is a hard-nosed competitor and an unparalleled leader. While the Blue Jays and their fans will be hoping he still has some gas in the tank, a successful season from him is about more than numbers.
Scherzer’s contract structure is unique and indicative of how the Blue Jays see him at this stage of his career. He has a base salary of $3 million, then gets paid an additional million for every ten innings he throws from 65 onwards. The more he pitches, the more he gets paid, and if he’s pitching lots, it means he’s throwing well or the rotation has been decimated by injuries — he’ll be worth the money in either scenario.
As far as on-field results go, nobody should be expecting prime Scherzer regardless of whether he throws 50 or 150 innings. He recorded a career-worst 5.19 ERA and 4.99 FIP in his 17 starts last season, allowing 19 home runs in just 85 innings pitched.
Scherzer did perform better in the postseason after really struggling down the stretch, however. He turned back the clock for a vintage Mad Max performance in the ALCS against the Seattle Mariners, then held the Los Angeles Dodgers in check twice during the World Series.
The real determining factor for Scherzer’s performance is likely to be his health, specifically his thumb. He could be better in 2026 if the nerve issue that plagued him last year is behind him — an ERA in the low-to-mid 4.00s with a strikeout per inning could be possible if that’s the case.
Scherzer’s true value to the Blue Jays in 2026 will likely go way beyond statistics. His leadership and clubhouse presence are worth the price of admission, especially as a mentor to his younger teammates.
Trey Yesavage, in particular, stands to benefit from more time with Scherzer. Last year’s Blue Jays broadcasts caught them talking several times, and there figures to be plenty more conversations to come. Most rookies can only dream of having one of the best pitchers of all time over their shoulder.
There’s also value in re-injecting a ferocious competitor like Scherzer into the locker room. Last year’s Blue Jays became beloved for their brotherhood and camaraderie. Scherzer and now-departed Chris Bassitt were huge parts of that, but they were also the uber-competitive elder statesmen demanding the best of their teammates—losing them both in one would have been a cultural gut-check.
So while all parties would love for Scherzer to be effective on the mound, the true measure of his season will be his impact on those around him. This reunion will be a huge success if he can pitch when needed and mentor between appearances. But, knowing Scherzer, would it really be a surprise if it turns out he still has a little magic left in his arm?
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