In a thrilling ALCS showdown, Max Scherzer, the veteran ace of the Toronto Blue Jays, showcased his enduring talent as he led his team to victory over the Seattle Mariners. With a powerful performance that marked his return to postseason glory, Scherzer’s determination and strategic contract negotiations highlight not just his skills on the mound but also his savvy off it.
Scherzer’s Dominant Performance
Last night, Max Scherzer, a three-time Cy Young Award winner, stepped onto the mound for the Toronto Blue Jays in Game 4 of the American League Championship Series against the Seattle Mariners. The game progressed smoothly until the fifth inning, where the Jays held a comfortable 5–2 lead, and Scherzer was in control with a 1–2 count against Randy Arozarena.
However, given Scherzer’s age of 41 and his long absence from postseason victories—six years to be exact—his removal seemed imminent. Blue Jays manager John Schneider approached the mound with plans to pull him from the game. But before Schneider could reach him, he was met with a resounding “NOOOOO!” exclaimed by Scherzer, followed by a confident, “I’M GOOD! LET’S GO!”
This turned out to be one of the briefest mound visits in postseason history, as Schneider quickly retreated to the dugout. In a post-game press conference, Schneider recounted his experience:
“I thought he was going to kill me. He locked eyes with me, both colors—he has this ‘Mad Max’ persona, but he backed it up tonight.”
Shortly after, Scherzer struck out Arozarena with a sweeping curve, helping propel the Blue Jays to an 8–2 victory, bringing them closer to the World Series.
A Master of Negotiation
While last night’s game will undoubtedly become part of Scherzer’s highlight reel, his legacy extends beyond the diamond. Scherzer’s 2015 contract with the Washington Nationals deserves recognition as one of the most groundbreaking deals in sports history.
To put this in perspective, consider Bobby Bonilla’s infamous deferred contract with the New York Mets, which led to the celebration of “Bobby Bonilla Day.” Bonilla receives $1.19 million every July 1 for 25 years, totaling around $29.8 million. In contrast, Scherzer’s contract far surpasses that simple structure.
When Scherzer hit free agency in January 2015, he had already established himself as a generational talent with years of success in the league. He signed a seven-year, $210 million contract with the Nationals that not only made him one of the highest-paid pitchers but also introduced a unique deferral plan. This arrangement allowed Scherzer to earn $105 million during the seven years he played, while another $105 million would be paid out in seven annual installments of $15 million from 2022 to 2028, effectively giving him ongoing income long after his exit from Washington.
Interestingly, Scherzer continued to accumulate wealth even as he signed new contracts. Following a successful tenure in Washington, he was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers and later signed a record-breaking three-year, $130 million contract with the New York Mets. In 2023, he was traded to the Texas Rangers but continued to receive payments from both the Mets and Nationals, culminating in an impressive total salary of about $58 million for that year from three teams.
Setting a New Standard
As Scherzer continues to pitch effectively at 41, his financial acumen alongside his athleticism demands recognition. While Bobby Bonilla’s status as baseball’s “deferred king” is well-known, Scherzer’s multiple income streams set a new benchmark in sports contracts.
Every July 1, fans celebrate Bonilla, the player who receives a salary without actively participating in games. In contrast, Scherzer, still actively contributing to his team, earns significantly more while demonstrating that he is not only a Hall of Fame pitcher but also a master negotiator.
If Bonilla Day celebrates deferred pay, perhaps it’s time for another holiday dedicated to Scherzer’s exceptional career and contractual prowess. July 1 could mark both deferred pay and the remarkable legacy of Max Scherzer.
Meet William, a proud Bethel University alumnus with a fervent passion for lifestyle and culture topics. His keen interest doesn’t stop there; he’s also deeply engrossed in current events of all kinds. William dedicates himself wholeheartedly to this site, thriving on the collaborative energy he shares with Suzanne, his long-standing partner in crime.
Having navigated their university courses side by side for years, their teamwork on the site is nothing short of dynamic. Together, they bring a unique blend of insights, proving that two heads are indeed better than one in delivering compelling content.
