Max Scherzer Determined to Continue Career After World Series Loss

Max Scherzer has built a career defined by longevity, dominance, and fierce competitiveness — traits that remain very much alive even as he approaches his 42nd birthday. Just weeks removed from a World Series defeat with the Toronto Blue Jays, the three-time Cy Young Award winner made it clear that retirement is not in his plans.

“I still can do this,” Scherzer told The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, putting to rest any speculation that his 2025 campaign might have been his last. The veteran right-hander, who just completed his 18th major league season, has his sights set on returning to the mound in 2026.

Scherzer’s latest season was an up-and-down journey. He went 5–5 with a 5.19 ERA in 17 regular-season starts but looked sharper during Toronto’s postseason push, where he posted a 3.77 ERA over three outings. For a player entering his fifth decade, those flashes of form suggest there’s still life left in one of baseball’s most decorated arms.

Executives around the league seem to agree. “He may not get 30 starts,” one front office official told The Athletic, “but can he get 20 starts at a mid-3.00 ERA and compete every day? Absolutely. He’s the kind of guy who still moves the needle.”

1. A Renewed Sense of Health and Confidence

For Scherzer, the decision to play on isn’t rooted in sentiment — it’s grounded in confidence that his body can handle another grueling season. After battling injuries in recent years, including a persistent thumb issue that sidelined him in 2025, he says he finally feels healthy enough to perform at a high level. “The way I see it, I’m healthy,” Scherzer said. “I’m going to be able to go into spring training, ramp up, and go through a normal season. I know how to navigate starts, how to manage my body. Now that my thumb issue is completely resolved, I’m in a much better position to do that.” Durability was once Scherzer’s calling card — from 2013 through 2021, he made at least 30 starts in eight straight seasons. While those days are behind him, the right-hander believes his experience allows him to adapt to a different workload while still making an impact. Scherzer’s meticulous approach to preparation and his deep understanding of pitch sequencing have long offset his physical limitations. That knowledge could prove invaluable in extending his career, particularly as teams continue to value veteran stability in a league increasingly reliant on young arms.

2. Market Outlook for a Living Legend

The question now shifts to which team will take a chance on a 41-year-old pitcher entering his 19th season. Scherzer, who has already earned over $350 million in his career, won’t command a massive contract, but his leadership, postseason experience, and competitive fire could be appealing to contending clubs. Teams in need of rotation depth — particularly those with playoff aspirations — may view Scherzer as a low-risk, high-reward signing. He could slot in as a back-end starter, mentor younger pitchers, and provide valuable innings when healthy. For a team on the cusp of contention, that kind of presence often proves invaluable down the stretch. Moreover, Scherzer’s postseason pedigree remains one of his strongest selling points. He’s appeared in 30 playoff games, logging over 140 innings with a career 3.50 ERA under October pressure. Those credentials could attract front offices looking to fortify their rosters with battle-tested veterans. Still, clubs will need to weigh his age and durability concerns. Scherzer has not made more than 25 starts in a season since 2021, and managing his workload will be key. But for Scherzer, who insists his thumb injury is “completely behind” him, that’s a challenge he’s ready to embrace head-on.

3. Chasing One Last Shot at Glory

Even with three Cy Young Awards, 12 All-Star appearances, and a World Series title to his name, Scherzer remains motivated by unfinished business. His short stint with Toronto reignited his hunger to compete at the game’s highest level — and to end his career on his own terms. “Knowing that my thumb is healthy means my right arm is going to be healthy,” Scherzer said. “That was the No. 1 worry. I’m past that. Now I want to compete again and compete for a World Series.” It’s clear that Scherzer’s focus hasn’t wavered: he’s chasing not numbers or accolades, but the chance to stand atop the baseball world one more time. That unrelenting drive — the same that defined his prime years with Detroit, Washington, and Los Angeles — continues to separate him from most pitchers of his generation. Whether or not a team signs him this winter, Scherzer’s determination serves as a reminder of why he’s bound for Cooperstown. For one of baseball’s fiercest competitors, the story isn’t over just yet.