The Toronto Blue Jays ended the 2026 MLB regular season with a 5-1 win over the Cincinnati Reds on Sunday, in a game described as an emotional tribute to Max Scherzer and George Springer.
Max Scherzer threw seven innings of one-run ball in what could be his final big-league start, according to Yahoo Sports.
George Springer, playing in his 776th game for Toronto, was tearful as he discussed what being a Blue Jay meant to him, according to the Toronto Sun, which noted his contract is set to expire. Manager John Schneider also shared his feelings on the possibility that it was Springer's final game, according to Yahoo Sports.
According to Forbes, Springer sent a three-word update on his retirement decision following the sale of his house in Toronto, a claim reported only by that outlet.
How each side covered it
Left
- Described the season finale as an emotional tribute to both Max Scherzer and George Springer.
“Blue Jays’ last game becomes emotional tribute for Max Scherzer, George Springer” — The New York Times/The Athletic
Center
- Yahoo Sports reported the Blue Jays' 5-1 win and Scherzer's seven innings of one-run ball.
- Yahoo Sports cited manager John Schneider's feelings on the possibility of Springer's final game.
- Forbes reported Springer sent a three-word retirement update after selling his Toronto house.
“John Schneider shares feelings on George Springer's possible final game” — Yahoo Sports
Right
- The Toronto Sun reported Springer was tearful discussing what being a Blue Jay meant to him.
- Noted Springer's contract is set to expire, suggesting this could be his final game.
“George Springer tearful as he shares what being a Blue Jay meant to him” — Toronto Sun
Questions readers ask
What happened in the Blue Jays' last game of the 2026 season?
The Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Cincinnati Reds 5-1 on Sunday to close the 2026 regular season, in a game that outlets described as an emotional farewell for Max Scherzer and George Springer.
Is this Max Scherzer's last game with the Blue Jays?
According to Yahoo Sports, Scherzer threw seven innings of one-run ball in what could be his final big-league start, though it has not been confirmed as definite.
Is George Springer leaving the Blue Jays?
George Springer's contract is set to expire, according to the Toronto Sun, and he was tearful discussing what being a Blue Jay meant to him; Forbes reported he sent a three-word update on his retirement decision after selling his Toronto house.
What did different outlets focus on regarding this game?
Left- and center-leaning outlets focused on the emotional tribute to both Scherzer and Springer and manager John Schneider's comments, while a right-leaning outlet emphasized Springer's tearful reflection on his time with Toronto.
Sources · 4 outlet reports
- The New York TimesLeft-leaningBlue Jays’ last game becomes emotional tribute for Max Scherzer, George Springer - The Athletic
- ForbesCenterBlue Jays’ George Springer Sends 3-Word Retirement Decision Update After Toronto House Sale
- Yahoo SportsCenterBlue Jays news: George Springer was in tears before likely final game with Toronto
- Toronto SunRight-leaningGeorge Springer tearful as he shares what being a Blue Jay meant to him