Max Scherzer heads back to Blue Jays to put final touches on Hall of Fame résumé
CBS Sports
by
Matt Snyder
February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Max Scherzer is set to rejoin the Toronto Blue Jays on a $3 million incentive-laden contract for the 2026 season. Known for his dominance over his career, Scherzer’s return adds depth to an already talented but inconsistent starting rotation, which includes stars like Kevin Gausman and Dylan Cease alongside younger pitchers like Trey Yesavage. However, Scherzer’s main focus this season may be about cementing his legacy in baseball history rather than just helping the Blue Jays win games.
Scherzer, 41, is on the cusp of several career milestones that will further solidify his Hall of Fame credentials. With 3,489 strikeouts already under his belt, he’s poised to join an elite group of pitchers who have reached 3,500 strikeouts. If successful, he could climb as high as seventh on the all-time list this season. Additionally, Scherzer is nearing 3,000 innings pitched, a milestone that would make him one of only a few pitchers from the Wild Card Era (1995-present) to achieve it.
Scherzer’s career already boasts an impressive resume: four Cy Young Awards, eight All-Star selections, and a World Series title with the Dodgers in 2020. His consistent dominance on the mound, including a stellar 3.22 ERA and 1.08 WHIP over 18 seasons, has earned him a reputation as one of the game’s all-time greats. By JAWS (a metric used to evaluate Hall of Fame candidates), Scherzer ranks 27th among all starting pitchers, placing him in rarified air alongside legends like Tom Seaver and Walter Johnson.
For sports enthusiasts, Scherzer’s potential achievements this season matter because they represent the pinnacle of a decorated career. His story is not just about numbers; it’s about the intangible “Feel Factor” he brings to the game. At his prime, Scherzer was a pitcher who seemingly controlled entire games with his fiery fastball and pinpoint accuracy—a rare quality that sets him apart and cements his place among baseball’s elite. As he nears the end of his career, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can add more chapters to an already legendary narrative.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 2/26/2026