Max Scherzer says he wants to keep playing after Blue Jays’ Game 7 loss

TORONTO – Max Scherzer stood at the far end of a sombre locker room.

The 41-year-old was still processing the Toronto Blue Jays’ crushing 5-4 extra-inning loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers in Game 7 of the World Series.

Scherzer spoke about the camaraderie among a group of players that captured a country’s attention, the fight they showed throughout a memorable run, and the heartbreak of the moment.

The future Hall of Famer also indicated that following Saturday night’s gut-wrenching end, there’s unfinished business on a personal level.

Scherzer gave his team everything he had to open the winner-take-all finale, giving up one run on four hits and a walk to go along with three strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings of work before departing with Toronto up 3-1 inside a crackling Rogers Centre.

The bullpen, however, couldn’t hold against the big-spending Dodgers, who tied the game down 4-3 in the top of the ninth inning before winning it in the 11th to capture a second straight Fall Classic.

Scherzer said in the aftermath, he feels like there’s more gas in his tank for what would be a 19th season in the major leagues in 2026.

“I’ll give a full answer on that later,” the veteran right-hander said when asked if he wants to keep playing. 

“But I will say this: I just don’t see how that’s the last pitch I’ve ever thrown.” 

The three-time Cy Young Award winner and eight-time all-star joined the Jays on a one-year, US$15.5 million contract in February. Scherzer dealt with a thumb injury early in the schedule and got knocked around late in the regular season, but demonstrated a familiar fire in the playoffs across three starts, including Games 3 and 7 of the World Series.

“He’s unbelievable,” said Toronto third baseman Ernie Clement, who set a major league record for hits in a post-season. “I love going to war with that guy. He’s just a competitor and just an awesome guy to have around in the clubhouse. He’s a great example for any young player, any teammate of his, on how to be ready and prepare and compete.”

“He’s as good as it gets.”

Jays right-hander Shane Bieber, who gave up the go-ahead home run to Will Smith in the 11th, spoke about what the ultra-intense Scherzer meant to a club that made an unexpected run.

“Max is extremely special to this group (and) to me, personally,” Bieber said through tears. “He’s a warrior. He’s a pro’s pro. He shows you how to do it day in and day out. His passion for the game is unmatched.”

Toronto manager John Schneider was asked before Game 7 what Scherzer brought when he arrived at spring training.

“As competitive as anyone I’ve ever seen,” Schneider said. “He’s been awesome for us. I think that personality is something that we needed.”

Scherzer, who has two World Series rings and nearly 3,500 career strikeouts, said this Jays iteration is one he won’t forget.

“I’ve been part of some special groups,” he said. “This one’s right up there with all of them in terms of how we played, how we cared about each other. I’ve had that feeling on the other teams, and this team had that.” 

And their belief never wavered.

“That’s the character,” Scherzer said of a stunning end that included Toronto sitting two outs from glory in the ninth inning. “We always came back. We always found a way to come back. Unfortunately, we needed one more.”

“Proud to be a Blue Jay.” 

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Nov. 1, 2025.