Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Max Scherzer
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Max Scherzer made an impact.
Max Scherzer, nicknamed "Mad Max", is a highly decorated MLB pitcher. An eight-time All-Star, he has won three Cy Young Awards and pitched two no-hitters. As a right-handed starting pitcher, he played for multiple teams, including the Diamondbacks, Tigers, Nationals, Dodgers, Mets, Rangers, and Blue Jays. He has won two World Series championships, one with the Washington Nationals in 2019 and another with the Texas Rangers in 2023. He is widely considered one of the best pitchers in baseball history.
1908: Struck out at least 68 batters while issuing five or fewer walks
In June 2019, Max Scherzer went 6-0 over six starts and 45 innings, marking 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.
1920: achieved ERA of 1.00 while logging at least 68 strikeouts in one calendar month
In June 2019, Max Scherzer went 6-0 over six starts and 45 innings, becoming the fourth pitcher since 1920 to post an ERA of 1.00 or lower while logging at least 68 strikeouts in one calendar month.
2003: Drafted by the Cardinals
In 2003, Marty Maier, then the Cardinals' scouting director, selected Scherzer in the 43rd round (1,291st overall) of the Major League Baseball (MLB) draft. However, he did not sign and instead attended the University of Missouri in Columbia.
2004: Played with La Crosse Loggers
In 2004, After his freshman year at the University of Missouri, Scherzer played with the La Crosse Loggers of the Northwoods League (NWL), a collegiate summer baseball league. He went 2–1 that summer with a 1.91 ERA with six saves. He also struck out 50 batters in only 33 innings pitched. He was named a mid-season All-Star.
2006: Drafted by the Diamondbacks
In 2006, Scherzer was chosen by the Arizona Diamondbacks in the first round with the 11th overall pick of the MLB draft, becoming Missouri's first-ever MLB first-round draft pick.
2006: Last Tigers Pitcher with Six Straight Starts
In 2011 Scherzer won six straight starts being the first Tiger since Jeremy Bonderman in 2006 to accomplish the feat.
2007: Ranked as Top Prospect
During the 2007 offseason, Scherzer was named the fourth-best prospect in the Diamondbacks organization.
April 27, 2008: Promoted to the Major Leagues
On April 27, 2008, 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 Against Astros
On April 29, 2008, Scherzer made his MLB debut against the Houston Astros, striking out Jack Cassel. He threw 4 1/3 perfect innings, striking out seven, setting a record for consecutive batters retired (13) for a pitcher making his MLB debut as a reliever.
April 30, 2008: Named to Starting Rotation
On April 30, 2008, due to his impressive debut, the Diamondbacks announced that Scherzer would be part of the starting rotation. However, in his first start, he allowed five runs (two earned) in four innings, taking his first major league loss.
2008: MLB Debut
In 2008, Scherzer made his Major League Baseball debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
May 16, 2009: First Major League Victory
On May 16, 2009, Scherzer recorded his first major league victory in a 12–0 win over the Atlanta Braves.
December 9, 2009: Traded to Detroit Tigers
On December 9, 2009, Arizona traded Scherzer along with Daniel Schlereth, Phil Coke, and Austin Jackson to the Detroit Tigers as part of a three-team agreement.
December 2009: Traded to the Detroit Tigers
In December 2009, Scherzer was traded to the Detroit Tigers.
2009: Consistent Starter
From 2009, Scherzer consistently made at least 30 starts each season, showcasing his reliability as a starting pitcher.
2009: Performance Statistics
In four seasons spanning 2009–12, Scherzer was 52–38, 3.94 ERA, 1.302 WHIP, averaging 9.2 strikeouts per nine innings and 191 strikeouts per season.
2009: Set strikeout record at Yankee Stadium
On May 8, 2021, Max Scherzer faced the New York Yankees, striking out 14 over 7+1⁄3 innings, setting a record for an opposing pitcher at the then-current iteration of Yankee Stadium, which opened in 2009.
2010: 2010 Season Performance
Scherzer finished the 2010 season with a 12–11 record, 3.50 ERA, and 184 strikeouts. Despite spending some time in the minor leagues, his strikeout total was still good for tenth in the American League.
2011: 2011 Season Performance
During the 2011 season, Scherzer was the third starter in the rotation and won six straight starts early in the year. He finished the season with a 15–9 record.
2011: AL Central Title with Tigers
In 2011, Scherzer helped the Detroit Tigers win the first of four consecutive American League Central titles.
2011: First Tigers Pitcher Since Verlander
On September 20, 2013, 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
May 20, 2012: Struck Out 15 Pirates
On May 20, 2012, Scherzer struck out 15 Pittsburgh Pirates in seven innings, falling one strikeout short of tying Lolich's franchise record.
2012: Consistent Strikeouts
From 2012, Scherzer consistently struck out at least 230 batters each season, establishing himself as a dominant strikeout pitcher.
2012: AL Pennant
In 2012, the Detroit Tigers won the American League (AL) pennant, only to lose to the San Francisco Giants in the World Series.
2012: 2012 Postseason Performance
In the 2012 Postseason, Scherzer pitched successfully for the Tigers after they had won the AL Central division. He made three starts, going 1–0 with a 2.08 ERA, while striking out 26 batters over 171⁄3 innings. The Tigers reached the World Series. He started Game 4, yielded three earned runs in 61⁄3 innings while striking out eight batters, and received a no-decision.
June 28, 2013: Tigers Record Start
On June 28, 2013, Scherzer became the first Tigers pitcher to ever start a season 12–0, surpassing the 11–0 start from George Mullin in 1909.
July 3, 2013: MLB Record Start
On July 3, 2013, Scherzer became the first major league starter to begin a season 13–0 since Roger Clemens in 1986.
2013: All-Star Game Selection and Start
In 2013, Scherzer was selected by player vote to represent the American League in the All-Star Game and was chosen as the AL's starting pitcher. He pitched a perfect inning, including striking out Joey Votto.
2013: AL Cy Young Award
In 2013, Scherzer won the American League Cy Young Award while playing for the Detroit Tigers.
2013: Partnership with Detroit Tigers Foundation
In 2013, the Scherzers partnered with the Detroit Tigers Foundation on a program called Scherzer's Superstars, inviting groups from the Metropolitan Detroit chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America to Comerica Park for Tuesday home games to meet Scherzer and his teammates and watch batting practice.
January 17, 2014: Scherzer agrees to $15.525 million salary
On January 17, 2014, Max Scherzer and the Detroit Tigers agreed to a $15.525 million salary for the 2014 season, successfully avoiding arbitration for the third consecutive year.
2014: AL Central Title with Tigers
In 2014, Scherzer helped the Detroit Tigers win their fourth consecutive American League Central title.
January 21, 2015: Scherzer signs with the Washington Nationals
On January 21, 2015, Max Scherzer agreed to a seven-year, $210 million contract with the Washington Nationals, making Mike Rizzo the general manager. This contract included a $50 million signing bonus, which would be paid out over 14 years, making it the largest deferral in MLB history.
April 6, 2015: Scherzer's Nationals Debut
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 batters over 7+2⁄3 innings in a 3–1 loss.
June 14, 2015: Scherzer pitches a one-hit shutout
On June 14, 2015, Max Scherzer pitched his second career complete game, a one-hit shutout against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park, winning 4-0. Scherzer recorded 16 strikeouts, setting a new personal best and a Nationals team record, and achieving a game score of 100.
October 3, 2015: Scherzer achieves his 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 New York Mets, striking out a new career-high 17 batters with no walks. Scherzer tied Nolan Ryan for most strikeouts in a no-hitter, was the first no-hitter produced with at least 17 strikeouts and no walks, and became the sixth pitcher in MLB history to record multiple no-hitters in one season. Scherzer's game won the 2015 Esurance MLB Award for Best Performance.
2015: Multiple No-hitters
In 2015, Scherzer became the fifth pitcher in Major League history to record multiple no-hitters in a single season.
2015: Partnership with Nationals' annual "Night Out" event
In 2015, inspired by Sean Doolittle and Eireann Dolan, Erica May-Scherzer partnered with organizers of the Nationals' annual "Night Out" event for LGBT fans, leading an effort by Nationals' spouses to promote the event.
May 11, 2016: Tied Strikeout Record
On May 11, 2016, Scherzer tied the major league nine-inning single-game strikeout record with 20 against the Detroit Tigers, becoming the second player to achieve both a no-hitter and 20 strikeouts over nine innings. Scherzer also became the youngest pitcher to beat all 30 MLB teams on this day.
July 8, 2016: Scherzer named to the National League All-Star team
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. Scherzer performed in relief in the sixth inning, allowing no baserunners.
2016: Strike Out Modern Slavery fundraiser
In 2016, Erica May-Scherzer began working as an ambassador for the Polaris Project, which aims to stop human trafficking; Scherzer started a fundraiser during the Nationals' 2016 season called Strike Out Modern Slavery in which the couple matched donations to Polaris for every strikeout Scherzer threw that season.
2016: Pitched against Detroit at Comerica Park
On June 30, 2019, Max Scherzer faced his former team, the Detroit Tigers, for the first time at Comerica Park since 2016. He struck out 14 and allowed four hits over eight innings in a 2–1 win.
May 14, 2017: Scherzer pitches 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 in the fourth inning versus Philadelphia. It was the 84th immaculate inning in the major leagues, and second in Nationals' history.
August 2017: Pet adoption fees payment
Following Hurricane Harvey in August 2017, Max and Erica Scherzer announced they would cover all pet adoption fees from the Washington, D.C.-based Humane Rescue Alliance's shelters for four days.
2017: 2,000 Career Strikeouts
In 2017, 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: NL Cy Young Award
In 2017, Scherzer won his second consecutive NL Cy Young Award with the Nationals.
2018: Finished second in Cy Young Award voting
During the 2018 season, Max Scherzer achieved an 18-7 record with a 2.53 ERA and finished second in Cy Young Award voting, behind Jacob deGrom.
2018: Selected as NL All-Star starting pitcher, reached 200 strikeouts for 7th consecutive season
In 2018, Max Scherzer was selected as the NL starting pitcher in the All-Star Game. On July 27, 2018, he reached his 200th regular season strikeout, marking his seventh consecutive season with 200 or more strikeouts, tying him with Walter Johnson and Roger Clemens.
2018: Graded as top pitcher by Sports Illustrated
In 2018, Sports Illustrated graded Max Scherzer as the top pitcher and fourth-best overall player in baseball, only behind Trout, Jose Altuve, and Kris Bryant.
2018: Consistent Starter
Through 2018, Scherzer consistently made at least 30 starts each season, showcasing his reliability as a starting pitcher.
2019: Started Opening Day for the Nationals
In 2019, Max Scherzer started for the Nationals on Opening Day against Jacob deGrom of the Mets at Nationals Park.
2019: World Series Champion with the Nationals
In 2019, Scherzer won the World Series with the Washington Nationals.
2019: First Postseason Win Since 2019 World Series
In 2025, Max Scherzer secured his first postseason win since the 2019 World Series, making him the fourth pitcher aged 41 or older to achieve this feat.
2019: Won Game 1 and Started Game 7 of World Series
In the 2019 World Series, Scherzer earned a win in Game 1 against the Houston Astros and started Game 7, which the Nationals won, securing their first World Series championship. Scherzer received a no-decision in Game 7.
2019: Concluded season with 11-7 record, led in strikeouts/walks ratio
Max Scherzer concluded the 2019 season with an 11–7 record, a 2.92 ERA, and 243 strikeouts. He led all major league pitchers in strikeouts/walks ratio, at 7.364, and Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP), at 2.45. He also led the NL in SO/9, at 12.7.
2019: Consistent Strikeouts
Through 2019, Scherzer consistently struck out at least 230 batters each season, establishing himself as a dominant strikeout pitcher.
2020: Posted highest ERA since 2011
During the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Max Scherzer posted a 5–4 record with a 3.74 ERA, his highest since 2011.
May 2, 2021: Pitched first complete game of the season
On May 2, 2021, Max Scherzer pitched his first complete game of the season against the Marlins, allowing one run on a home run in the ninth inning, while striking out nine and allowing no walks.
July 30, 2021: Traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers
On July 30, 2021, Max Scherzer was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers along with Trea Turner by the Nationals in exchange for Josiah Gray, Keibert Ruiz, Donovan Casey, and Gerardo Carrillo.
September 12, 2021: Joined 3,000 Strikeout Club
On September 12, 2021, Scherzer joined the 3,000 strikeout club, a significant milestone in his career.
December 1, 2021: Agreed to contract with the New York Mets
On December 1, 2021, Max Scherzer agreed to a three-year, $130 million contract with the New York Mets, which included the largest AAV in MLB history at $43.3 million.
2021: Traded to the Dodgers
In 2021, Scherzer was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, where they reached the NLCS. He also finished 3rd in NL Cy Young voting this year.
2021: Reached 3,000 strikeouts and achieved third immaculate inning
In a contest against the San Diego Padres on September 12, 2021, Max Scherzer became the 19th pitcher to reach 3,000 strikeouts and achieved his third immaculate inning, tying Sandy Koufax and Chris Sale. He finished the 2021 season leading all qualified pitchers with a 0.86 WHIP and a .185 batting average against.
April 8, 2022: Earned win in Mets debut against former team
On April 8, 2022, Max Scherzer earned the win in his Mets debut against his former team, the Washington Nationals. It was his first start as a visitor at Nationals Park and his first time facing the Nationals in nearly 12 years.
2022: Named to All-MLB Team
At the conclusion of the 2022 season, Scherzer, then playing for the Mets, was named to the All-MLB Team.
2022: Adoption fee coverage
In 2022, While Max Scherzer was 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.
July 29, 2023: Traded to the Texas Rangers
On July 29, 2023, the Mets traded Max Scherzer 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 during Postseason
In 2023, Max Scherzer started three postseason games, Games 3 and 7 of the ALCS, and Game 3 of the World Series, before being shut down again following back pain. The Rangers would eventually win their first World Series title.
2023: Elite Pitching Accomplishments
In 2023, 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 Champion with the Rangers
In 2023, Scherzer won the World Series with the Texas Rangers.
2023: Traded to the Rangers
Midway through the 2023 season, Scherzer was traded to the Texas Rangers, where he started Games 3 and 7 of the ALCS and Game 3 of the World Series, contributing to the Rangers winning their first championship.
2024: Tied Greg Maddux on MLB's all-time list
On June 23, 2024, Max Scherzer made his season debut, tying him with Greg Maddux for eleventh place on MLB's all-time strikeout list with 3,371 strikeouts. Scherzer did not have a healthy 2024, ending his season early with a hamstring strain.
February 4, 2025: Signed contract with 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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