‘Looking likely’ Max Scherzer will pitch for Vancouver Canadians

Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer (31) works against the Colorado Rockies during first inning MLB baseball action in Toronto on Tuesday, March 31, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette

Legendary pitcher and current Toronto Blue Jay Max Scherzer is “looking likely” to make a start for the Vancouver Canadians Friday, according to the team.

The game is sold out and news that the fiery veteran affectionately known as “Mad Max” could pitch with the high-A affiliate seems to have sent prices for resale tickets surging to as high as ten times their regular price.

A spokesperson for the Vancouver Canadians said the Blue Jays have not officially confirmed Scherzer’s appearance but that if he is in Vancouver “he will pitch.”

While many players with the Canadians have gone on to play in the big leagues, having a major-league starter of Scherzer’s caliber make an appearance for the Canadians at Nat Bailey Stadium would be a novel reversal.

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However, the Blue Jays are scheduled to play a series in Seattle starting Friday, which could explain the unusual choice of a rehab assignment.

Scherzer, 41, was drafted in 2006—the same year the youngest player on the Vancouver Canadians was born. He recorded his 3,500^th major league strikeout last month.

Scherzer played his first season with Toronto last year, when the team made it to Game 7 of the World Series.

His trademark intensity was on full display during a now-viral moment during Game 4 of the ALCS against the Seattle Mariners.

The Blue Jays resigned the three-time Cy Young Award winner and eight-time all star for the 2026 season—which is likely to be his last.

After the deal was inked, Scherzer’s wife posted a photo of a heartfelt, hand-written letter their eight-year-old daughter wrote to the team that racked up thousands of likes and views online.

“I am so sorry that you didn’t win the World Series. I hope that you win next time. I hope my dad is back on the team,” Scherzer’s daughter Brooke wrote.

“My whole family loves spending time in Toronto with our dad. We loved the aquarium, CN Tower and of course, the stadium. I am looking forward to coming back next season.”

Scherzer has been largely sidelined by injury this year, including the current back spasms that got him placed on the 15-day injured list in mid-June.