The Toronto Blue Jays’ 2025 season has been anything but ordinary, and much of their recent surge can be traced to the remarkable resurgence of Max Scherzer. At 41 years old, Scherzer’s arm appears to have discovered the fountain of youth, and his presence has not only stabilized a rotation in flux but also ignited hope for a deep postseason run. As the Blue Jays prepare to face the MLB-leading Milwaukee Brewers, all eyes are on Scherzer—both for what he’s doing now, and for the tantalizing question of whether he’ll remain in Toronto beyond this season.
When the Blue Jays inked Scherzer to a one-year deal before the 2025 campaign, expectations were measured. After all, Scherzer’s age and recent injuries meant that even the most optimistic fans wondered if he could recapture his past dominance. His debut on March 29 against the Baltimore Orioles was brief—just three innings before being pulled, a move that raised more eyebrows than cheers. Then, Scherzer disappeared from the mound entirely, not pitching again until June 25. Many wondered: was this going to be a one-and-done experiment?
Since returning, Scherzer has not just answered the doubters—he’s silenced them. Over his 12 starts in 2025, he’s compiled a 5-2 record, a 3.82 ERA, and 61 strikeouts. Half of these outings have been quality starts, but it’s his August performance that’s truly turned heads. In five starts this month, Scherzer has gone 4-1 with a sparkling 2.61 ERA, pitching at least six innings every time out and never allowing more than six hits in a game. Batters are hitting just .209 against him in this stretch, and while he’s surrendered five home runs, he’s kept the bases clear—limiting the damage and showing the kind of savvy that only decades of experience can bring.
“I didn’t think he would be this good at this age, but I’m happy to be wrong, and I hope it continues for another couple of months. I enjoy watching him pitch. He seems to have a plan every time out for every batter,” one Blue Jays observer recently remarked, capturing the mood among fans and analysts alike.
Scherzer’s renaissance has come at a crucial time. The Blue Jays, over the past four weeks, have posted a 14-10 record. Their pitching staff has collectively improved, with a team ERA of 4.06—slightly better than their season average of 4.23. Yet it’s Scherzer’s consistency and leadership that have provided a much-needed anchor. After a tough loss on July 27 to the Detroit Tigers left his ERA at 4.89, Scherzer has lowered it by more than a full run, now sitting at 3.82. His August ERA of 2.61 is a testament to his ability to step up when it matters most.
It’s not just the stats that tell the story. Scherzer’s intensity has become a talking point, with TSN recently highlighting his in-person presence and his pivotal role in the upcoming clash with the Brewers. The anticipation is palpable: can Scherzer continue this run against the best team in the National League?
But as the Blue Jays look ahead to the postseason—where they’re hoping to avoid the dreaded Wild Card round—the conversation inevitably turns to Scherzer’s future. On August 26, MLB.com’s Blue Jays reporter Keegan Matheson appeared on TSN to address the burning question: will Scherzer be back in Toronto for 2026? Matheson put the odds at “30 percent,” acknowledging both the value Scherzer has brought and the uncertainties that come with age and contract negotiations. “There is a 30 percent chance for Scherzer to stay in Toronto,” Matheson predicted, leaving the door open for further speculation.
Scherzer’s postseason pedigree only strengthens his case for a return. With two World Series championships under his belt, his experience is invaluable for a Toronto team eyeing a deep October run. He’s not just a candidate for the playoff rotation—he’s making a strong argument to be the Game One starter, a role that could define the Blue Jays’ postseason fortunes.
Of course, Scherzer is not the only story in the Toronto pitching staff. Chris Bassitt has delivered five starts with a 3.67 ERA, despite a 0-2 record in that span. Tommy Nance has been a revelation out of the bullpen, posting a 0.68 ERA in 13.1 innings over 12 games. Seranthony Domínguez, while struggling with walks, has limited hits and kept his team in games, and Jeff Hoffman’s season has been a rollercoaster of saves and blown saves, but with opponents hitting under .200 against him in August.
Some pitchers have cooled off. José Berríos, after a strong start, appears to be tiring, with the team considering skipping his next turn in the rotation. Eric Lauer has struggled since returning from a break, and Yariel Rodríguez’s ERA has ballooned to 9.00 over his last nine games, prompting manager John Schneider to use him in lower-leverage spots. Meanwhile, Brendon Little and Mason Fluharty have both battled control issues, giving catchers a workout behind the plate.
In the minors, Braydon Fisher has shown flashes of potential, and Justin Bruihl recently delivered 3.1 scoreless innings on August 27. Paxton Schultz had a brief stint, pitching a single inning before being sent back down. Shane Bieber, in his lone start, dazzled with six innings of two-hit ball, one run, and nine strikeouts—and fans are eager to see him again in his next scheduled start.
Injuries have also played a role. Yimi Garcia and Nick Sandlin are both on the injured list and are not expected to return this season, further underscoring the importance of Scherzer’s health and performance.
So, what’s next for Scherzer and the Blue Jays? The team’s immediate focus is on the high-stakes matchup with the Brewers—a true test for both their ace and their playoff ambitions. But the bigger question looms: can Toronto convince Scherzer to return in 2026, or will this be a one-year masterstroke?
For now, Scherzer’s resurgence has given the Blue Jays more than just wins—it’s given them hope, swagger, and a sense of purpose heading into the season’s most critical stretch. As the postseason approaches, the veteran right-hander remains the story to watch in Toronto, both for what he’s done and for what might still be to come.
