3,557 Strikeouts: Scherzer Weighs Another Season Amid Lockout Prep
The 42-year-old pitcher is using lockout games to decide his future, while Ty France attracts multi-year offers and a top reliever from the Chinese league is posted.
By Nikolai Morales ·
Max Scherzer has not yet decided whether he will return for another major league season. According to the New York Post, the 42-year-old right-hander will participate in lockout games this winter to assess his physical readiness. The collective bargaining agreement expires at 11:59 p.m. ET on Dec. 1. Players from opposing clubs will work out together throughout the stoppage to maintain sharpness during the negotiations.
Scherzer finished his 2026 campaign with the Toronto Blue Jays after making 18 starts while managing injuries. He concluded the season with a strong performance in Game 162, striking out seven batters over seven innings of one-run ball. The veteran is currently ninth on the all-time list with 3,557 career strikeouts. He sits three strikes behind Justin Verlander, his former Detroit Tigers teammate.
Free agent first baseman Ty France is drawing interest from multiple clubs, per The Athletic. Reports suggest a deal could be finalized quickly. France enjoyed a career year in 2026 after adjusting his batting stance, which increased his hard-hit ability. He is widely regarded as a strong defensive player and the second-best available first baseman on the market.
While specific teams have not been named, several contenders are likely candidates. The Diamondbacks, Guardians, Mets, Rangers, and Padres are highlighted as potential landing spots for the 32-year-old. Given his recent production and the current scarcity of right-handed power in the league, France may command a multi-year contract.
The Fubon Guardians of the Chinese Professional Baseball League have posted right-handed reliever Jyun-Yue Tseng to MLB teams, the Associated Press reported. Tseng has until Dec. 22 to sign officially. However, the anticipated lockout effectively makes Dec. 1 his practical deadline.
Tseng, 25, represented Chinese Taipei in the World Baseball Classic in 2023 and 2026. He saved 25 games last season with a 1.80 earned average and 65 strikeouts in 52 one-third innings. His fastball typically reaches the mid-90s miles per hour but has touched 100 mph previously. Scouts note his secondary pitches require refinement if he is to secure a role beyond middle relief in the majors.
