When Max Scherzer takes the mound for Game 3 of the World Series, all eyes will be on him. Now leading the charge for the Toronto Blue Jays, the veteran’s presence is impossible to miss. Not only because of his stacked-up resume, his accolades, and more, but also because of his eyes of different colors.

What Is Up With Max Scherzer’s Eyes?

If you ever thought whether Scherzer’s mismatched eyes were due to some illusion or special lenses, then here is the truth—they are natural. His right eye is a piercing blue, and his left is a dark brown—a combination that has become as iconic as his glare from the mound.

And that glare will be back in full force tonight as he faces Ohtani and the Dodgers. And more so because Scherzer and the Dodgers have history.

He was with LA for a hot minute, but it was a bad breakup, and he left for the Mets. However, Scherzer’s departure cost the Dodgers, and fans still seek revenge for it. Now, after four years, he will be opposite to them. And you bet—he will have that signature glare.

Max Scherzer Has Heterochromia: What Does That Mean?

Scherzer’s look comes from a unique condition called heterochromia iridis. This is where a person’s irises are different colors. It is a completely harmless condition and happens due to genetics. A 1979 study found that it happens in about 0.26% of people. So you see, Scherzer’s game and gaze are both rare and perfect.

He has had it since he was a baby and has always embraced it.

Scherzer told NBC Sports, “I’ve always celebrated it. Whether you like it or not, that’s who I am.” As a child, he would even draw people with two different-colored eyes, just like his own. Now, it has become a part of his being, so much so that he has even adopted dogs with the same condition.

How Rare Is Max Scherzer’s Eye Condition?

Heterochromia affects less than 1% of the population, and complete heterochromia—where both eyes are completely different colors—is even more rare. It does not affect vision; it is just the pigment that is affected. Some of Hollywood’s biggest names have it, like Mila Kunis or Kate Bosworth. But in the world of MLB, nobody owns it quite like Scherzer.

But don’t go just by Max Scherzer’s eyes. Because beyond that, his record defines him.

He has appeared in the World Series with four different teams: The Tigers (2012), the Nationals (2019), the Rangers (2023), and now the Blue Jays (2025). According to MLB.com’s Sarah Langs, that makes Scherzer the first pitcher in history to ever do so. The only other player to reach the WS with four different franchises is outfielder Lonnie Smith. Not bad, right?

Do Max Scherzer’s Eyes Affect His Pitching?

No, the condition doesn’t affect his vision at all. In fact, his performance this season, if at all, proves it.

He is already 40 years old, and he brought in that fire energy. In 17 starts for the Toronto Blue Jays this season, he posted a 3.78 ERA and struck out 108 batters in 94 innings. He has gone deep into the games twice this season and hit the seventh-inning mark both times.

Scherzer even crossed the 100-pitch threshold once and showed everyone that his intensity has not faded with age. His last double-digit postseason game was back in 2021, against the San Francisco Giants—it was a seven-inning, 10-strikeout masterpiece. But Scherzer is not a calm person like Yamamoto or an effortless one like Ohtani—he thrives on emotion.

That edge and that glare go together and tell the story of a man who won’t give up easily!