Nationals Still Owe Blue Jays’ Potentially Retiring Star $30 Million

The Washington Nationals still owe Toronto Blue Jays pitcher Max Scherzer $30 million in deferred salary, even as the veteran considers retirement. Scherzer originally signed a seven-year, $210 million contract with the Nationals ahead of the 2015 MLB season. That deal included $105 million in deferred payments structured to pay him $15 million annually from 2022 through 2028.

With five of the seven deferred installments completed through the end of the 2026 season, Scherzer is guaranteed the remaining balance regardless of his playing status. Scherzer played for Washington from 2015 until a July 2021 trade to the Los Angeles Dodgers, notably helping the franchise win the 2019 World Series.