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 accomplished American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Toronto Blue Jays. Renowned as one of baseball's best pitchers, he's an eight-time MLB All-Star and a three-time Cy Young Award winner. Scherzer has pitched two no-hitters and boasts two World Series championships, one with the Washington Nationals in 2019 and another with the Texas Rangers in 2023. He has previously played for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Mets.

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Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1908: Struck out at least 68 batters while issuing five or fewer walks in one calendar month since 1908

In June, Max Scherzer went 6-0 over six starts. Scherzer became 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: One of four pitchers with ERA of 1.00 or lower and 68+ strikeouts in a month since 1920

In June, Max Scherzer went 6-0 over six starts. 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.

2003: Drafted by Cardinals (Did Not Sign)

In 2003, Marty Maier, then the St. Louis Cardinals' scouting director, selected Max Scherzer in the 43rd round of the Major League Baseball (MLB) draft, but he did not sign and instead attended the University of Missouri in Columbia.

2004: Played in Northwoods League

After his freshman year at the University of Missouri, in 2004 Max Scherzer played with the La Crosse Loggers of the Northwoods League (NWL), a collegiate summer baseball league, where he achieved a 2–1 record, a 1.91 ERA, and six saves.

2006: Drafted by Diamondbacks

In 2006, the Arizona Diamondbacks chose Max Scherzer in the first round with the 11th overall pick of the MLB draft, making him Missouri's first-ever MLB first-round draft pick.

2007: Ranked 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

After a good start to the 2008 season with the Triple-A Tucson Sidewinders, on April 27, 2008, Max Scherzer was promoted to the major leagues for the first time.

April 29, 2008: MLB Debut

On April 29, 2008, Max Scherzer made his MLB debut against the Houston Astros, striking out the first batter he faced, Jack Cassel, and setting a record for consecutive batters retired for a pitcher making his MLB debut as a reliever, with 13.

April 30, 2008: 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: MLB Debut

In 2008, Max Scherzer made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks.

2008: Arizona Fall League

In 2008, Max Scherzer participated in the Arizona Fall League season as a member of the Phoenix Desert Dogs.

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 Detroit Tigers

On December 9, 2009, Max Scherzer was traded to the Detroit Tigers as part of a three-team agreement.

December 2009: Traded to Detroit Tigers

In December 2009, Max Scherzer was traded to the Detroit Tigers.

2009: Consistent Starter

From 2009 to 2018, Max Scherzer made at least 30 starts each season, showcasing his consistency as a pitcher.

2009: Four seasons for Scherzer

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.

2010: 2010 Season Stats

Max Scherzer finished the 2010 season with a 12–11 record, 3.50 ERA, and 184 strikeouts, placing tenth in the American League despite spending time in the minor leagues.

2010: Playoff Drought

Max Scherzer's third-place finish in 2010 left the Detroit Tigers out of the playoffs.

2011: Won six straight starts

During the 2011 season, Max Scherzer won six straight starts early in the year, becoming the first Tiger since Jeremy Bonderman in 2006 to accomplish the feat.

2011: Posted a 5–4 record with a 3.74 ERA

During the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Max Scherzer posted a 5-4 record with a 3.74 ERA, his highest since 2011.

2011: AL Central Title

In 2011, Max Scherzer helped the Detroit Tigers win the American League Central title.

2011: Last Tigers Pitcher to Reach 20 Wins

On September 20, after a 12–5 win over the Chicago White Sox, Max 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: 15 Strikeouts Against 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: Consistent Strikeouts

From 2012 to 2019, Max Scherzer struck out at least 230 batters each season.

2012: World Series Appearance

In 2012, Max Scherzer pitched for the Tigers in the postseason after they won the AL Central division, reaching the World Series. He started Game 4, yielding three earned runs in 6 1⁄3 innings, receiving a no-decision as the Tigers lost in extra innings.

2012: AL Pennant

In 2012, the Detroit Tigers, led by Max Scherzer, won the American League (AL) pennant but lost to the San Francisco Giants in the World Series.

June 28, 2013: Tigers Record

After a win against the Tampa Bay Rays on June 28, 2013, Max Scherzer became the first Tigers pitcher to ever start a season 12–0.

July 3, 2013: First MLB Starter to Begin 13-0 Since Clemens

With a win against the Toronto Blue Jays on July 3, 2013, Max Scherzer became the first major league starter to begin a season 13–0 since Roger Clemens in 1986.

July 13, 2013: Loss to the Rangers

On July 13, 2013, Max Scherzer's winning streak ended with a loss to the Texas Rangers.

September 20, 2013: 20 Wins in a Season

2013: All-Star Game Selection and Start

In 2013, Max Scherzer was selected to represent the American League in the All-Star Game and was chosen as the AL's starting pitcher. Entering the All-Star break, he had a 13–1 record, 3.19 ERA, and 152 strikeouts.

2013: AL Cy Young Award

In 2013, Max 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 Big Brothers Big Sisters of America to Comerica Park for Tuesday home games to meet Scherzer and his teammates.

2013: ALCS versus the Boston Red Sox

In the 2013 ALCS, Aníbal Sánchez and Max Scherzer, as teammates in Detroit, mirrored a feat in Games 1 and 2 versus the Boston Red Sox, where both pitchers started their respective games with five hitless innings.

January 17, 2014: Scherzer Agrees to $15.525 Million Salary with the Tigers

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

In 2014, Max Scherzer helped the Detroit Tigers win the 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, featuring a $50 million signing bonus to be paid out over 14 years and a no-trade clause. Scherzer's contract specified a $10 million salary in 2015, $15 million for the next three seasons, and $35 million annually from 2019-2021 when deferrals begin.

April 6, 2015: Scherzer's Nationals Debut

On April 6, 2015, Max Scherzer made his regular-season debut for the Nationals as their Opening Day starting pitcher against the New York Mets. He pitched 7+2⁄3 innings, striking out eight batters, in a 3–1 loss.

June 14, 2015: Scherzer Pitches Near-Perfect Game Shutout

On June 14, 2015, Max Scherzer pitched his second career complete game, a 4-0 shutout against the Milwaukee Brewers, allowing only one hit and one walk. He had six perfect innings and set a new personal and Nationals team record with 16 strikeouts, earning a game score of 100.

October 3, 2015: Scherzer Throws Second No-Hitter of the Season

On October 3, 2015, Max Scherzer pitched his second no-hitter of the season against the Mets, striking out a career-high 17 batters with no walks. The game was hailed as one of the greatest pitching performances ever, and Scherzer earned the 2015 Esurance MLB Award for Best Performance for the game.

2015: Partnership with Nationals' Night Out Event

In 2015, Erica May-Scherzer partnered with organizers of the Washington Nationals' annual "Night Out" event for LGBT fans and led an effort by Nationals' spouses to promote the event.

2015: Multiple No-Hitters

In 2015, Max Scherzer became the fifth pitcher in Major League history to record multiple no-hitters in a single season.

May 11, 2016: Tied 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: Scherzer Named All-Star

On July 8, 2016, Max Scherzer was named to the National League squad for the All-Star Game in San Diego, replacing teammate Stephen Strasburg. He pitched in relief in the sixth inning, allowing no baserunners.

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 with a 20-7 record, 2.96 ERA, MLB-leading 284 strikeouts, and an MLB-leading 0.968 WHIP. He also received two 2016 Esurance MLB/This Year in Baseball Awards.

2016: Strike Out Modern Slavery Fundraiser

During the Nationals' 2016 season, Max Scherzer started a fundraiser called Strike Out Modern Slavery, where he and his wife matched donations to Polaris for every strikeout he threw.

2016: Pitched against Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park since 2016 20-strikeout game

Max Scherzer faced his former team, the Detroit Tigers, at Comerica Park on June 30, 2016. It was the first time he pitched against Detroit at Comerica Park since his 20-strikeout game in 2016.

2016: Playoff appearance with the Mets

On September 19, Max Scherzer earned the 200th win of his career and the Mets clinched their first playoff appearance since 2016.

May 14, 2017: Scherzer Pitches Immaculate Inning

On May 14, 2017, Max Scherzer pitched his first career immaculate inning, striking out three batters on nine pitches in the fourth inning against Philadelphia.

August 2017: Pet Adoption Fees Coverage After Hurricane Harvey

After 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, 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: NL Cy Young Award

In 2017, Max Scherzer won the National League Cy Young Award with the Washington Nationals.

2018: Consistent Starter

From 2009 to 2018, Max Scherzer made at least 30 starts each season, showcasing his consistency as a pitcher.

2018: Selected as the NL starting pitcher in the All-Star Game

In 2018, Max Scherzer was selected as the National League starting pitcher in the All-Star Game, marking his third starting assignment.

2019: Consistent Strikeouts

From 2012 to 2019, Max Scherzer struck out at least 230 batters each season.

2019: First Postseason Win Since 2019 World Series

In 2019, Max Scherzer had not had a postseason win since the 2019 World Series. On October 16, 2025, he secured his first postseason win since the 2019 World Series.

2019: Opening Day start against Jacob deGrom

In 2019, Max Scherzer started for the Washington Nationals on Opening Day against Jacob deGrom of the New York Mets at Nationals Park.

2019: Won World Series with Nationals

In 2019, Max Scherzer won the World Series with the Washington Nationals.

2019: World Series Win

In the 2019 World Series, Max Scherzer earned a win in Game 1 and started Game 7, contributing to the Washington Nationals' first championship.

2019: Led all major league pitchers in strikeouts/walks ratio

Max Scherzer concluded the 2019 season leading all major league pitchers in strikeouts/walks ratio at 7.364.

2020: Posted a 5–4 record with a 3.74 ERA

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, allowing one run while striking out nine against the Marlins.

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.

September 12, 2021: Joined 3,000 Strikeout Club

On September 12, 2021, Max Scherzer joined the 3,000 strikeout club.

December 1, 2021: Agreed to a three-year 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, featuring the largest AAV in MLB history.

2021: Traded to 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.

2021: Reaches 3,000 strikeouts

On September 12, 2021, Max Scherzer reached 3,000 strikeouts becoming the 19th pitcher to achieve this milestone.

April 8, 2022: Earned the 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.

2022: All-MLB Team Selection

At the conclusion of the 2022 season, Max Scherzer, as a free agent signed with the Mets and was named to the All-MLB Team.

2022: Adoption Fee Coverage at St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center

While Max Scherzer was pitching for the Mets in 2022, 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. More than 270 animals were adopted.

July 29, 2023: Traded to the Texas Rangers

On July 29, 2023, Max Scherzer was traded to the Texas Rangers by the New York Mets.

2023: Pitched for the Mets

In 19 starts for the Mets in 2023, Scherzer posted a 9–4 record, a 4.01 ERA, and 121 strikeouts across 107⁄3 innings pitched.

2023: Elite Pitcher Achievements

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: Won World Series with Rangers

In 2023, Max Scherzer won the World Series with the Texas Rangers.

2023: Started three postseason games

Max Scherzer started three postseason games in 2023, Games 3 and 7 of the ALCS, and Game 3 of the World Series, before being shut down due to back pain.

2023: Traded to Rangers and World Series Win

Midway into the 2023 season, Max Scherzer was traded to the Texas Rangers, where he started Games 3 and 7 of the ALCS and Game 3 of the World Series, leading the Rangers to their first championship.

2024: Debut on June 23

Max Scherzer made his 2024 season debut on June 23, and threw five scoreless innings against the Kansas City Royals, striking out four.

2024: Opted into player option with the Texas Rangers

On July 29, 2023, Max Scherzer opted into his 2024 player option worth more than $43 million as part of a trade to the Texas Rangers.

February 4, 2025: Signed 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.

August 24: 19-1 Start to Season

On August 24, Max Scherzer became the third pitcher in major league history to start a season 19–1, following Clemens in 2001 and Rube Marquard in 1912.