When Davis Schneider got drenched in Gatorade after the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Kansas City Royals 5-3 on September 28, 2025, he wasn’t just celebrating a win—he was being baptized by the team’s most intense veteran. As the 24-year-old utility infielder stood there, dripping and grinning, he told Sportsnet’s Hazel Mae: "He’s crazy, man." He wasn’t talking about the celebration. He was talking about Max Scherzer.
The Mentor in the Locker Room
Scherzer, 41, signed a three-year, $130 million deal with the Blue Jays in December 2023. He’s now earning $43.3 million this season—the largest single contract on a $182.7 million payroll. But it’s not the money that’s made him a clubhouse legend. It’s the hours. The film. The obsession. "He’s always the first one at the ballpark and the last one to leave," Schneider said. "He’ll spend 20, 30 hours studying hitters before every start. I’ve never seen anything like it. And he’ll stop mid-conversation to tell me how to read a slider—me, a guy who doesn’t even pitch." That mentorship isn’t theoretical. Schneider’s 2025 season—12 homers, 38 RBIs in 147 plate appearances—marks a dramatic turnaround from his shaky 2024. He credits Scherzer for refining his plate discipline. On September 12, against the Houston Astros, Schneider took a 3-2 pitch on the outer edge for a ball. It wasn’t a swing. It was a statement. The next pitch? A walk-off single. Manager John Schneider noticed. "He’s matured," the manager said. "He didn’t get handed this. He fought for it."A Routine That Breaks Norms
Most pitchers warm up. Scherzer re-engineers them. Teammates describe his bullpen sessions as surgical. He doesn’t just throw fastballs—he throws them with different grips, different arm slots, different intentions. He maps out how each hitter reacts to spin rate changes. He’ll pause mid-session to ask a rookie: "Did you see how he leaned into that curve last time?" Even more unusual: Scherzer doesn’t just analyze hitters—he analyzes position players. He’s pulled Schneider aside after games to critique his stance against lefties. He’s shown Ernie Clement and Joey Loperfido, his 2025 roommates, how to recognize pitch tunnels. "He treats the whole lineup like a puzzle," Schneider said. "And he wants everyone to solve it."
Strategic Rotation and Playoff Push
The Blue Jays, now 98-54, lead the American League East by 5.5 games. With just 10 games left before the October 5 regular season finale, every start matters. That’s why John Schneider swapped Scherzer’s scheduled start with Chris Bassitt on September 25—a move designed to give Scherzer extra rest before facing the Yankees. The decision paid off. Scherzer delivered a 7-inning, 2-run gem on September 27. Now, he’s slated to open the critical four-game series against the New York Yankees on September 30 at Rogers Centre, located at One Blue Jays Way in Toronto. The stadium, seating 49,286, will be packed. The stakes? Playoff seeding. "He’s not just pitching," Schneider said. "He’s setting the tone. Every time he walks out there, you feel like you’ve got to match his energy."Why This Matters Beyond the Box Score
This isn’t just about one veteran pitcher helping a young infielder. It’s about culture. In an era where analytics dominate, Scherzer reminds everyone that baseball is still a human game. He’s proof that preparation can outlast age. That intensity can be contagious. That a 41-year-old with a $43 million salary still shows up at 7 a.m. to watch film. Schneider, drafted 831st overall in 2020, was nearly released twice. Now, he’s a key piece in a team that hasn’t won a playoff series since 2016. His growth under Scherzer’s wing isn’t just personal—it’s organizational. The Blue Jays aren’t just building a roster. They’re building a legacy.
What’s Next?
The Yankees series begins September 30. If Scherzer pitches well, he’ll likely start Game 1 of the ALDS. Schneider will be in the lineup, likely batting seventh or eighth. But his role? He’s no longer just a utility player. He’s become the embodiment of what the Blue Jays are trying to build: gritty, smart, relentless. "I used to think ‘crazy’ meant reckless," Schneider said, still damp from the celebration. "Now I know it means relentless. And I want to be that guy one day."Frequently Asked Questions
How has Max Scherzer’s presence changed the Blue Jays’ clubhouse culture?
Scherzer’s daily routine—arriving before dawn, reviewing 20-30 hours of video per start, and offering unsolicited advice to position players—has raised the standard for preparation across the roster. Veterans and rookies alike now arrive earlier, study more film, and take ownership of their craft. Manager John Schneider noted that even the bullpen pitchers now mimic his pre-game rituals, creating a ripple effect of professionalism.
Why is Davis Schneider’s 2025 season considered a breakout?
After batting just .211 with 5 homers in 2024 and nearly being sent down twice, Schneider improved his on-base percentage by 72 points in 2025, going from 12 walks to 41 in 147 plate appearances. His walk rate jumped from 6.1% to 12.8%, directly tied to Scherzer’s advice on pitch recognition. He also cut his strikeout rate by 15%, making him a more consistent offensive threat in the middle of the lineup.
What’s the significance of the rotation switch between Scherzer and Bassitt?
The September 25 adjustment gave Scherzer an extra four days of rest before facing the Yankees, a team that hits .270 against right-handers and has a .310 on-base percentage against him. The move ensured Scherzer would be at peak efficiency for the most important series of the season, while Bassitt, who had pitched on short rest the prior week, got a full five-day turnaround. It’s a calculated move by John Schneider to maximize playoff readiness.
How does Scherzer’s contract compare to other pitchers in MLB history?
Scherzer’s $130 million deal is the largest ever signed by a pitcher over 38 years old. His $43.3 million 2025 salary ranks 5th in MLB, ahead of all but Gerrit Cole, Shohei Ohtani, Justin Verlander, and Aaron Judge. He’s the only pitcher in the top 10 who’s 41 and still averaging over 6 innings per start. His performance has made the contract look like a bargain, not a risk.
What role does Rogers Centre play in the Blue Jays’ success this season?
Rogers Centre’s retractable roof and warm September climate have helped the Blue Jays’ pitching staff maintain consistency during the final stretch. The team is 17-3 at home since August 1, with Scherzer going 5-0 with a 1.89 ERA in five starts there. The crowd noise—among the loudest in the AL—has also been shown to disrupt opposing hitters’ timing, particularly in late-inning situations.
What happens if the Blue Jays win the AL East?
A division title would guarantee the Blue Jays a first-round bye in the playoffs and home-field advantage through the ALDS. With Scherzer likely to start Game 1 of the ALDS and Schneider in the lineup, the team’s momentum could carry them past the Cleveland Guardians or Minnesota Twins. It would also mark their first AL East crown since 2015—and their deepest playoff run since 2016.
