Max Scherzer announced he intends to pitch in 2026 after becoming the oldest pitcher to start a World Series Game 7 at age 41. The three-time Cy Young Award winner allowed one run in 4 1/3 innings for the Toronto Blue Jays against the Los Angeles Dodgers, outdueling Shohei Ohtani in the Blue Jays' championship loss.

Scherzer's postseason performance demonstrated he remains effective despite a challenging regular season. He posted a 10.20 ERA in four September starts while battling a left shoulder issue after considering retirement due to thumb inflammation earlier in the year.

At least one MLB executive believes Scherzer can provide 20 quality starts next season. The executive expressed confidence Scherzer can maintain a mid-3.00 ERA and FIP while competing for a contender.

Scherzer said the right thumb inflammation that plagued him since 2023 has fully resolved. The injury made gripping the ball painful and created additional arm problems over three seasons.

"The way I see it, I'm healthy. I'm going to be able to go into spring training. I'm going to be able to ramp up," Scherzer said. "I have a track record of being a durable starter. I know how to navigate a season."

Some in the industry expect Scherzer to reunite with San Francisco Giants manager Tony Vitello, who was his pitching coach at Missouri. A return to Toronto also remains possible given the bonds Scherzer formed with the organization.

Scherzer became the only living pitcher to start multiple World Series Game 7s. He previously started for the Washington Nationals in 2019 when they defeated the Houston Astros.

His four-seam fastball averaged 95.2 mph in Game 7, the best velocity of his 20 combined regular-season and postseason starts this year. Scherzer has pitched nearly 3,000 regular-season innings since his 2008 debut.

"I still can do this," the 18-year veteran said.

Only 12 pitchers this century have made 30 or more starts at age 41 or older. Scherzer last reached 30 starts in 2021 and has made just 26 combined over the past two seasons.