After a lengthy offseason, the Toronto Blue Jays have successfully brought Max Scherzer back into the fold, fulfilling a heartfelt wish from his eldest daughter, Brooke. Just hours after Scherzer inked a one-year deal with the Jays, his wife, Erica, shared a touching letter from Brooke on Instagram. In the letter, penned back in December, the eight-year-old expressed her excitement about returning to Toronto for the 2026 season and her hope that her dad would rejoin the team.
Scherzer's return wasn't always a sure thing, especially with the Jays bolstering their rotation by signing two other starting pitchers and Shane Bieber opting into his 2026 contract. Despite this depth, the combination of Toronto's competitive prospects and the Scherzer family's connection to the franchise proved compelling.
Throughout Toronto's journey to the World Series, the camaraderie in the clubhouse was a frequent topic of conversation. Louis Varland, celebrating the American League Championship Series victory, described his teammates as a kind of glue that held the group together. This bond extended beyond the players to their families as well.
During the ALCS triumph over the Mariners, Blue Jays families gathered in Seattle, creating a lively atmosphere with players' children enjoying each other's company. The camaraderie was on full display when players' wives attended Game 1 of the World Series in matching red and white hockey jerseys. Even after the World Series loss, Erica Scherzer noted on Instagram that the players and their families cherished their time together so much that they wished the season could have continued.
This sense of community played a role in Shane Bieber's decision to stay with the Jays, opting into a $16 million deal for 2026, a figure below his projected market value. It's likely this factor influenced Scherzer's decision as well.
The Blue Jays are poised to be a powerhouse in the American League, and while there was speculation about Scherzer joining the San Francisco Giants to reunite with his former college coach, Tony Vitello, Toronto offers him a strong shot at capturing a third World Series title.
As the season approaches, questions remain about how Scherzer will fit into the Jays' rotation and when he'll make his debut on the mound. Regardless, one thing is certain: his daughter, Brooke, must be thrilled to see her wish come true.