History of Max Scherzer in Timeline
Max Scherzer, nicknamed "Mad Max", is a highly accomplished American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Toronto Blue Jays. Known for his intensity and skill, he has played for several MLB teams, including the Diamondbacks, Tigers, Nationals, Dodgers, Mets, and Rangers. A right-handed starting pitcher, Scherzer is an eight-time All-Star and a three-time Cy Young Award winner. He has pitched two no-hitters and has won the World Series twice, once with the Washington Nationals in 2019 and again with the Texas Rangers in 2023, solidifying his reputation as one of baseball's all-time greats.
1900: Longest Span Without a Complete Game
In 1900, Max Scherzer's first career complete game and shutout marked the longest expanse any major league starter had gone without a complete game.
1908: Struck out at least 68 batters while issuing five or fewer walks in one calendar month
During June, it was also the first time since 1908 that any pitcher had struck out at least 68 batters while issuing five or fewer walks in one calendar month.
1909: George Mullin's 11-0 Start
In 1909, George Mullin started a season 11-0 for the Detroit Tigers.
1920: Posted an ERA of 1.00 or lower while logging at least 68 strikeouts
During June, Scherzer went 6–0 over six starts and 45 innings. Scherzer became the fourth pitcher since 1920 to post an ERA of 1.00 or lower while logging at least 68 strikeouts in one calendar month.
1946: Bob Feller's Record
In 1946, Bob Feller set the Major League record for consecutive 7+ strikeout games to start the season with nine.
1962: Pete Richert Debut
Pete Richert of the Los Angeles Dodgers set a record in 1962 by retiring 12 consecutive batters in his MLB debut as a reliever, a record Max Scherzer broke.
1970: Tom Seaver's Record
In 1970, Tom Seaver set the Major League record for most consecutive strikeouts in a game.
July 27, 1984: Max Scherzer's Birth
On July 27, 1984, Maxwell Martin Scherzer, nicknamed "Mad Max", was born. He is currently a pitcher for the Toronto Blue Jays.
April 20, 1986: Barry Jones Debut
Barry Jones of the Pittsburgh Pirates recorded eight strikeouts on April 20, 1986, in a debut relief appearance.
2000: Pedro Martinez's strikeout to hits ratio
In the 2000 season, Pedro Martinez was the first MLB starting pitcher to have more than twice as many strikeouts in a season (284) as hits allowed (128).
2001: Randy Johnson's strikeout to hits ratio
In 2001, Randy Johnson had 372 strikeouts and 181 hits, becoming the second MLB starting pitcher to have more than twice as many strikeouts in a season as hits allowed.
2001: Kerry Wood's Record
In a May 19 start versus the Dodgers, Max Scherzer struck out 13, including dispatching his 100th of the season in 63 innings. It eclipsed Kerry Wood's record for fewest innings to reach 100 strikeouts with 65+2⁄3 which happened in 2001.
2003: Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals (did not sign)
In 2003, Max Scherzer was selected in the 43rd round of the Major League Baseball draft by the St. Louis Cardinals but did not sign, instead attending the University of Missouri.
2004: Played for La Crosse Loggers
In 2004, after his freshman year at the University of Missouri, Max Scherzer played with the La Crosse Loggers of the Northwoods League, achieving a 2-1 record with a 1.91 ERA and 6 saves, and was named a mid-season All-Star.
2005: Big 12 Pitcher of the Year
In 2005, Max Scherzer won the Big 12 Pitcher of the Year Award as a sophomore with the University of Missouri.
2006: Drafted by Arizona Diamondbacks
In 2006, Max Scherzer was drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first round as the 11th overall pick, making him Missouri's first-ever MLB first-round draft pick.
2006: Accomplished Feat Since Bonderman
In the 2011 season, Max Scherzer won six straight starts early in the year, being the first Tiger since Jeremy Bonderman in 2006 to accomplish the feat.
2007: Ranked Fourth-Best Prospect
During the 2007 offseason, Max Scherzer was named the fourth-best prospect in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization.
April 27, 2008: Promoted to Major Leagues
On April 27, 2008, Max Scherzer was promoted to the major leagues for the first time after a good start to the season with the Triple-A Tucson Sidewinders.
April 29, 2008: MLB Debut
On April 29, 2008, Max Scherzer made his MLB debut against the Houston Astros, striking out Jack Cassel, the first batter he faced. He retired 13 consecutive batters, setting a record for a pitcher making his MLB debut as a reliever.
April 30, 2008: Part of Starting Rotation
On April 30, 2008, the Diamondbacks announced that Max Scherzer would be part of the starting rotation due to his impressive debut.
2008: Scherzer's AFL Performance
In 2008, Max Scherzer had a 3.38 ERA over four starts in the Arizona Fall League (AFL).
2008: MLB Debut with the Diamondbacks
In 2008, Max Scherzer made his Major League Baseball debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
May 16, 2009: First Major League Victory
On May 16, 2009, Max Scherzer recorded his first major league victory in a 12-0 win over the Atlanta Braves.
December 9, 2009: Traded to the Detroit Tigers
On December 9, 2009, Max Scherzer was traded to the Detroit Tigers along with Daniel Schlereth, Phil Coke, and Austin Jackson as part of a three-team agreement.
December 2009: Traded to the Detroit Tigers
In December 2009, Max Scherzer was traded to the Detroit Tigers from the Arizona Diamondbacks.
2009: Consistent Starts Each Season
From 2009 to 2018, Max Scherzer consistently made at least 30 starts each season.
2009: Four Seasons Stats
In four seasons from 2009-2012, Max Scherzer was 52-38, 3.94 ERA, 1.302 WHIP, averaging 9.2 strikeouts per nine innings and 191 strikeouts per season.
June 8, 2010: Strasburg's Nationals record
On June 8, 2010, Stephen Strasburg recorded 14 strikeouts against the Pittsburgh Pirates, setting the Nationals team record that Scherzer would later surpass.
2010: Playoffs with the Tigers
In 2010, Max Scherzer had a third-place finish leaving the Tigers out of the playoffs. This was followed by four consecutive AL Central division championships.
2010: 2010 Season Stats
In the 2010 season, Max Scherzer had a 12-11 record, a 3.50 ERA, and 184 strikeouts, finishing tenth in the American League in strikeouts despite spending time in the minor leagues.
2011: 2020 Season
During the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Scherzer posted a 5–4 record with a 3.74 ERA, his highest since 2011, and 92 strikeouts over 67+1⁄3 innings in 12 starts. His 1.38 WHIP was also the highest of his career.
2011: Tigers win AL Central Title
In 2011, Max Scherzer helped the Detroit Tigers win the first of four consecutive American League Central titles.
2011: Zimmermann's immaculate inning
In 2011, Zimmermann pitched an immaculate inning versus the Florida Marlins, the first in Nationals' history.
2011: Justin Verlander's 20 Wins
On September 20, after a 12–5 win over the Chicago White Sox, Scherzer became the first major league pitcher of the season to reach 20 wins, making him the first Tigers pitcher to reach 20 wins since Justin Verlander in 2011.
January 9, 2012: Inducted into University of Missouri Hall of Fame
On January 9, 2012, Max Scherzer was inducted into the University of Missouri Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame.
May 20, 2012: 15 Strikeouts Against the Pirates
On May 20, 2012, Max Scherzer struck out 15 Pittsburgh Pirates in seven innings, falling one strikeout short of tying Lolich's franchise record.
2012: Struck Out At Least 230 Batters Each Season
From 2012 to 2019, Max Scherzer struck out at least 230 batters in each season.
2012: 2012 Postseason with Tigers
In 2012, Max Scherzer pitched successfully for the Tigers in the postseason after they won the AL Central division, going 1-0 with a 2.08 ERA and striking out 26 batters over 17 1/3 innings.
2012: AL Pennant with Detroit
In 2012, Max Scherzer won the American League (AL) pennant with the Detroit Tigers, but they lost to the San Francisco Giants in the World Series.
June 28, 2013: 12-0 Start
On June 28, 2013, Max Scherzer became the first Tigers pitcher to ever start a season 12-0, surpassing George Mullin's 11-0 start in 1909.
July 3, 2013: 13-0 Start
On July 3, 2013, Max Scherzer became the first major league starter to begin a season 13-0 since Roger Clemens in 1986.
2013: All-Star Selection and Start
In 2013, Max Scherzer was selected by player vote to represent the American League in the All-Star Game, his first major league All-Star selection, and was chosen by Jim Leyland as the AL's starting pitcher. He pitched a perfect inning.
2013: Cy Young Award
In 2013, Max Scherzer won the AL Cy Young Award, Players Choice Award for AL Outstanding Pitcher, and the Baseball Digest Pitcher of the Year after finishing the regular season with a 21-3 record, league-leading 0.97 WHIP, 2.90 ERA, and a career-high 240 strikeouts.
January 17, 2014: Scherzer avoids arbitration with Tigers.
On January 17, 2014, Max Scherzer and the Detroit Tigers agreed to a $15.525 million salary for the 2014 season, avoiding arbitration for the third straight year.
2014: Scherzer's 2014 Season
In 2014, Max Scherzer finished the season with an 18–5 record, a 3.19 ERA, and a 1.175 WHIP, setting new career bests in innings pitched (220+1⁄3) and strikeouts (252). His 18 wins tied for the AL lead.
2014: Tigers Win Fourth Consecutive AL Central Title
In 2014, Max Scherzer helped the Detroit Tigers win their fourth consecutive American League Central title.
January 21, 2015: Scherzer Agrees to Contract with Nationals
On January 21, 2015, Max Scherzer agreed to a seven-year, $210 million contract with the Washington Nationals, which included a $50 million signing bonus to be paid out over 14 years, the largest deferral in MLB history.
April 6, 2015: Regular Season Debut for Nationals
On April 6, 2015, Max Scherzer made his regular season debut for the Washington Nationals as their Opening Day starting pitcher against the New York Mets, striking out eight in a 3–1 loss.
June 14, 2015: Scherzer's near perfect game
On June 14, 2015, Max Scherzer pitched his second career complete game, a 4-0 shutout against the Milwaukee Brewers. He lost his perfect game bid in the seventh inning, finishing with a one-hitter and a career-high 16 strikeouts.
2015: Accumulated the most innings, strikeouts, and pitching WAR
From 2015 to 2017, Max Scherzer accumulated the most innings, strikeouts, and pitching WAR in his first 98 starts with the Nationals.
2015: Multiple No-Hitters in a Single Season
In 2015, Max Scherzer became the fifth pitcher in Major League history to record multiple no-hitters in a single season.
2015: Scherzer's 2015 Season Stats
In 2015, Max Scherzer finished the season with a 2.79 ERA and 0.92 WHIP, leading the MLB with an 8.12 K:BB ratio and in first-strike percentage (73.3%).
2015: Scherzer's Second No-Hitter of the Season
On October 3, 2015, Max Scherzer achieved his second career no-hitter, and second of the season, versus the Mets, striking out a new career-high 17 batters with no walks. It was debated as one of the greatest pitching performances of all time.
May 11, 2016: Tied Major League Strikeout Record
On May 11, 2016, Max Scherzer tied the major league nine-inning single-game strikeout record with 20 strikeouts in a game against the Detroit Tigers. He also became the youngest pitcher to defeat all 30 MLB teams.
July 8, 2016: All-Star Game Selection
On July 8, 2016, Max Scherzer was named to the National League squad at the All-Star Game in San Diego as a roster replacement for teammate Stephen Strasburg.
November 16, 2016: Scherzer Wins Second Cy Young Award
On November 16, 2016, Max Scherzer was named the National League Cy Young Award winner, securing his second Cy Young Award based on a 20–7 record, 2.96 ERA, MLB-leading 284 strikeouts, and an MLB-leading 0.968 WHIP.
2016: Won Mets debut against Nationals
On April 8, 2022, Max Scherzer earned the win in his Mets debut against his former team, the Washington Nationals. This is not the 2016 event requested by the user.
2016: Pitched against the Detroit Tigers
On June 30, Scherzer pitched against his former team, the Detroit Tigers, for the first time at Comerica Park since 2016 and the 20-strikeout game. Scherzer struck out 14 while allowing four hits over eight innings in a 2–1 win, marking his 90th career double-digit strikeout game.
January 2017: Scherzer withdraws from World Baseball Classic
In early January 2017, Max Scherzer withdrew from the 2017 World Baseball Classic due to a stress fracture in his right ring finger.
May 14, 2017: First Career Immaculate Inning
On May 14, 2017, Max Scherzer pitched his first career immaculate inning, striking out César Hernández, Odubel Herrera, and Aaron Altherr on nine pitches versus Philadelphia.
August 2017: Scherzers cover pet adoption fees after Hurricane Harvey
After Hurricane Harvey in August 2017, Max Scherzer and his wife Erica announced they would cover all pet adoption fees from the Washington, D.C.-based Humane Rescue Alliance shelters for four days.
November 29, 2017: Scherzer's first daughter born
On November 29, 2017, Max Scherzer and his wife Erica welcomed their first daughter.
2017: Accumulated the most innings, strikeouts, and pitching WAR
From 2015 to 2017, Max Scherzer accumulated the most innings, strikeouts, and pitching WAR in his first 98 starts with the Nationals.
2017: Recorded 2,000 Career Strikeouts
In 2017, Max Scherzer became the third-fastest player ever to record 2,000 career strikeouts and the fourth to strike out 250 or more in four consecutive seasons.
2017: Scherzer's 2017 Season Stats
In 2017, Max Scherzer finished the season with a 16–6 record and a 2.51 ERA, leading the National League with 268 strikeouts, a 0.90 WHIP, and a .178 batting average against. He also had more than twice as many strikeouts as hits allowed.
2017: Second NL Cy Young Award
In 2017, Max Scherzer won his second consecutive National League Cy Young Award and made his fifth National League All-Star Team appearance with the Nationals.
2017: Nationals unveil Scherzer's eye crops
In 2017, the Washington Nationals unveiled a crop of Max Scherzer's eyes that were portrayed as blue and brown, with backward and forward Ks edited into the pupils.
2017: End of Season Awards and Hall of Fame
In late 2017, Scherzer was selected as a starting pitcher on Baseball America's All-MLB Team, won his third National League Cy Young Award, the Players Choice Award for National League Outstanding Pitcher, and was elected to the Arizona Fall League Hall of Fame.
2018: Graded top pitcher by Sports Illustrated
Before the 2018 season, Max Scherzer was graded as the top pitcher and fourth-best overall player in baseball by Sports Illustrated, following Trout, Jose Altuve, and Kris Bryant.
2018: 2018 Season Stats
For the 2018 season, Max Scherzer was 18–7 with a 2.53 ERA. He threw 3,493 pitches, more than any other major league pitcher. He finished second in Cy Young Award voting, behind Jacob deGrom.
2018: Consistent Starts Each Season
From 2009 to 2018, Max Scherzer consistently made at least 30 starts each season.
2018: Selected as the NL starting pitcher in the All-Star Game
In 2018, Max Scherzer was selected as the NL starting pitcher in the All-Star Game, played at Nationals Park, for his third starting assignment. He also got his 200th regular season strikeout on July 27 versus the Marlins, to gridlock with Walter Johnson and Roger Clemens with seven consecutive seasons of 200 or more strikeouts.
2018: Scherzer narrowly misses strikeout/hit feat
In 2018, Scherzer recorded 300 strikeouts and allowed only 150 hits, narrowly missing the rare feat of having more than twice as many strikeouts as hits allowed.
July 4, 2019: Scherzer's second daughter born
On July 4, 2019, Max Scherzer and his wife Erica welcomed their second daughter.
2019: Struck Out At Least 230 Batters Each Season
From 2012 to 2019, Max Scherzer struck out at least 230 batters in each season.
2019: World Series Win with the Nationals
In 2019, Max Scherzer won the World Series with the Washington Nationals. He earned a win in Game 1 and started Game 7, contributing to the Nationals' first championship.
2019: Scherzer's Salary Increase
In 2019, Max Scherzer's salary increased to $35 million a year as part of his contract with the Washington Nationals, the season in which his deferrals began.
2019: Cole and Verlander achieve rare feat
In 2019, both Gerrit Cole and Justin Verlander had more than twice as many strikeouts as hits allowed, joining an exclusive group of pitchers.
2020: 2020 Season
During the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Scherzer posted a 5–4 record with a 3.74 ERA, his highest since 2011, and 92 strikeouts over 67+1⁄3 innings in 12 starts. His 1.38 WHIP was also the highest of his career.
2020: Scherzer's Salary
In 2020, Max Scherzer earned $35 million as part of his contract with the Washington Nationals, continuing the salary structure that began in 2019.
September 12, 2021: Joined the 3,000 Strikeout Club
On September 12, 2021, Max Scherzer joined the 3,000 strikeout club and has struck out the 11th most all-time.
December 1, 2021: Signed with the New York Mets
On December 1, 2021, Max Scherzer agreed to a three-year, $130 million contract with the New York Mets, featuring an average annual value (AAV) of $43.3 million, the largest AAV in MLB history.
2021: Scherzer's Salary
In 2021, Max Scherzer earned $35 million as part of his contract with the Washington Nationals, completing the three-year period of that salary structure.
2021: Trade to the Dodgers
In 2021, Max Scherzer was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, where they reached the NLCS and he finished 3rd in NL Cy Young voting.
April 8, 2022: Won Mets debut against Nationals
On April 8, 2022, Max Scherzer earned the win in his Mets debut against his former team, the Washington Nationals.
December 6, 2022: Named to All-MLB Second Team
On December 6, 2022, Max Scherzer was named to the All-MLB Second Team.
2022: Named to All-MLB Team
In 2022, as a free agent, Max Scherzer signed with the New York Mets and was named to the All-MLB Team at the conclusion of the season.
2022: Scherzers cover adoption fees at St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center
In 2022, while pitching for the Mets, the Scherzers agreed to cover the adoption fee at St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center in Madison, New Jersey for any dog over 30 pounds adopted from June 6 to 12.
January 30, 2023: Scherzer's fourth child born
On January 30, 2023, Max Scherzer and his wife Erica welcomed their fourth child, a girl.
July 29, 2023: Traded to the Texas Rangers
On July 29, 2023, Max Scherzer was traded by the Mets to the Texas Rangers along with $35.5 million in cash considerations for shortstop prospect Luisangel Acuña. Scherzer opted into his 2024 player option as part of the deal.
2023: Played in the Postseason and won the World Series with the Rangers
After being reactivated, Scherzer started three postseason games in 2023: Games 3 and 7 of the ALCS and Game 3 of the World Series. Despite being shut down again due to back pain, the Rangers went on to win their first World Series title.
2023: Underwent surgery on a herniated disc
After the 2023 season, Max Scherzer had surgery on a herniated disc and then worked to recover from thumb soreness and nerve issues.
2023: Played for the Mets
In 19 starts for the Mets in 2023, Max Scherzer posted a 9–4 record, a 4.01 ERA, and 121 strikeouts across 107⁄3 innings pitched.
2023: Elite Pitcher Accomplishments
In 2023, Max Scherzer became only the fourth pitcher in Major League history to win multiple World Series championships, win multiple Cy Young Awards, throw multiple no-hitters, and earn multiple All-Star selections.
2023: World Series Win with the Rangers
In 2023, Max Scherzer won the World Series with the Texas Rangers. He started Games 3 and 7 of the ALCS and Game 3 of the World Series, contributing to the Rangers' first championship.
2024: 2024 Season with Rangers
Max Scherzer made his 2024 season debut on June 23, and threw five scoreless innings against the Kansas City Royals. Scherzer did not have a healthy 2024, dealing with arm fatigue and nerve issues, ending his season early with a hamstring strain. Overall, Scherzer started nine games with a 3.95 ERA.
2024: Opted into 2024 player option with the Rangers
On July 29, 2023, the Mets traded Max Scherzer to the Texas Rangers. As part of the deal, Scherzer opted into his 2024 player option worth more than $43 million.
February 4, 2025: Signed a one-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays
On February 4, 2025, Max Scherzer signed a one-year, $15.5 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays.
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