Max Scherzer could've made his final MLB mound appearance on Sunday during the Toronto Blue Jays' season finale vs. the Cincinnati Reds. The 42-year-old completed his 20th MLB season on Sunday, and his future remains up in the air. The three-time Cy Young award winner was named the starter for Sunday's finale so he could compete in front of his family possibly for one last time.
Despite being on short rest, Scherzer pitched into the eighth inning on Sunday. He threw seven strikeouts, and had six hits and one run scored against him. If he chooses to retire this offseason, then the last batter he faced will be Reds shortstop Oswaldo Cabrera, whom Scherzer walked with one strike and four balls thrown at his plate appearance.
When manager John Schneider approached the mound to sit Scherzer for the remainder of the contest, Rogers Centre erupted into cheers for the legendary ace. Schneider and Scherzer exchanged some words and hugged it out, then the pitcher embraced many of his teammates. The two-time World Series champion received a much-deserved standing ovation from Blue Jays fans.
On Saturday, Scherzer told reporters that he won't make a decision about his future until the offseason. "I've talked to everybody in my inner circle, and we all kind of feel the same way," Scherzer said, via The . "We don't need to make a decision today.
Get to the offseason and just see how things unfold." Even though Scherzer hasn't publicly made an announcement about his future in the league, it would make the most sense for him to hang up the cleats once and for all. He got to wrap up his career with a nice bow with this emotional moment on Sunday—not every player is fortunate to experience a touching reception from fans in their final appearance. Scherzer's 2026 season was his worst to date.
He posted a 3–9 record and 6.14 ERA in 17 starts for the Blue Jays this year. Even legendary pitchers reach a time where they need to call it a career.
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