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 currently with the Toronto Blue Jays. He is renowned for his intensity and exceptional performance, highlighted by eight All-Star selections and three Cy Young Awards. Scherzer has pitched two no-hitters and secured World Series titles with both the Washington Nationals (2019) and Texas Rangers (2023). He has previously played for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Detroit Tigers, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Mets. Scherzer is a right-handed starting pitcher known for his competitiveness and accomplishments.

Sections (4)

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

2003: Drafted by St. Louis Cardinals

In 2003, Marty Maier, then the Cardinals' scouting director, selected him 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: Debut with La Crosse Loggers

In 2004, Max Scherzer made his debut with the La Crosse Loggers of the Northwoods League (NWL), a collegiate summer baseball league. During that summer, he achieved a 2-1 record with a 1.91 ERA and six saves, while also striking out 50 batters in just 33 innings pitched.

2006: Drafted by Arizona Diamondbacks

In 2006, Scherzer was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks as the 11th overall pick in the amateur draft, marking the start of his professional baseball career.

2006: Last Time a Tiger Won Six Straight Starts

In the 2011 season, Scherzer was the third starter in the rotation, and 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 recognized as the fourth-best prospect within the Arizona Diamondbacks organization, indicating his potential for future success in Major League Baseball.

April 27, 2008: Called Up to Majors

On April 27, 2008, Max Scherzer was called up to the major leagues after a strong start to the 2008 season in Triple-A Tucson, marking an important step in his professional baseball career.

April 29, 2008: MLB Debut against Houston Astros

On April 29, 2008, Max Scherzer made his MLB debut against the Houston Astros as a relief pitcher. He struck out Jack Cassel, the first batter he faced, and set a record for consecutive batters retired (13) for a pitcher making his MLB debut as a reliever.

April 30, 2008: Part of the Starting Rotation

On April 30, 2008, the Diamondbacks announced that Max Scherzer would become part of the starting rotation, following his impressive MLB debut. He later returned to the bullpen for much of the 2008 season.

2008: Arizona Fall League performance

In 2008, Max Scherzer had a 3.38 ERA over four starts in Arizona Fall League.

2008: MLB Debut with Diamondbacks

In 2008, Scherzer made his Major League Baseball debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks, marking a significant milestone in his career.

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, marking a significant achievement in his MLB career.

December 9, 2009: Traded to Detroit Tigers

On December 9, 2009, Arizona traded Max 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 Detroit Tigers

In December 2009, Scherzer was traded to the Detroit Tigers, beginning a new chapter in his MLB career.

2009: Consistent Starter

From 2009 to 2018, Max Scherzer made at least 30 starts each season, establishing himself as a consistent and reliable pitcher.

2009: Stats with Detroit Tigers

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: Scherzer established a record by an opposing pitcher

On May 8, 2021, Max Scherzer faced the New York Yankees, striking out 14 and establishing a record by an opposing pitcher of the then-current iteration of Yankee Stadium, opened in 2009. It was the 100th double-digit strikeout game of his career, making him just the fifth pitcher to reach the milestone.

2010: Third-Place Finish in 2010

In 2010, the Detroit Tigers finished in third place, missing the playoffs. Scherzer teamed with Justin Verlander.

2010: Finished Season with a 12-11 Record

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

2011: Won Six Straight Starts

During the 2011 season, Max Scherzer was the third starter in the rotation for the Detroit Tigers. He won six straight starts early in the year, becoming the first Tiger to achieve this since Jeremy Bonderman in 2006.

2011: Won AL Central Title

From 2011 to 2014, Max Scherzer helped the Detroit Tigers win four consecutive American League Central titles.

2011: Scherzer posted a 5-4 record

In the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, Max 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.

May 20, 2012: Struck out 15 Pirates in seven innings

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 230 Batters

From 2012 to 2019, Max Scherzer struck out at least 230 batters in each season, demonstrating his dominance as a strikeout pitcher.

2012: AL Pennant with Detroit Tigers

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

2012: 2012 Postseason

In the 2012 postseason, after winning the AL Central division, Scherzer pitched successfully for the Tigers. He made three starts, going 1–0 with a 2.08 ERA and striking out 26 batters over 17 1⁄3 innings.

June 28, 2013: 12-0 start

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, surpassing the 11–0 start from George Mullin in 1909.

July 3, 2013: 13-0 start

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.

2013: ALCS Performance against the Boston Red Sox

During the 2013 ALCS against the Boston Red Sox, Max Scherzer no-hit Boston for 5+2⁄3 innings in Game 2, striking out 13, but the Tigers lost the lead. Scherzer was also the losing pitcher in Game 6.

2013: 20 Wins, Cy Young and Players Choice Awards

In 2013, Max Scherzer became the first major league pitcher to reach 20 wins, finishing the regular season at 21-3, with a league-leading 0.97 WHIP, 2.90 ERA, and a career-high 240 strikeouts, earning him the 2013 AL Cy Young Award, Players Choice Award for AL Outstanding Pitcher, and Baseball Digest Pitcher of the Year.

2013: Dominant Performance in ALDS Game 1

In 2013, Max Scherzer had a dominant performance in Game 1 of the ALDS versus the Oakland Athletics, recording 11 strikeouts and giving up just one hit through the first six innings, before surrendering a two-run homer. He earned the win in Game 4 as a reliever after escaping a bases-loaded jam.

2013: American League Cy Young Award

In 2013, Max Scherzer won the American League Cy Young Award while playing for the Detroit Tigers, recognizing him as one of the league's best pitchers.

2013: Scherzer's Superstars Program

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 every Tuesday home game.

2013: Sánchez and Scherzer mirrored a feat as teammates while playing in Detroit

In the 2019 NLCS, Max Scherzer took a no-hitter into the seventh inning, mirroring a feat he and Aníbal Sánchez had achieved as teammates while playing in Detroit in Games 1 and 2 of the 2013 ALCS versus the Boston Red Sox.

2013: Selected to represent American League in All-Star Game

On July 1, Max Scherzer was selected by player vote to represent the American League in the 2013 All-Star Game, his first major league All-Star selection. He was later chosen as the AL's starting pitcher. He pitched a perfect 1–2–3 inning in the game, including striking out Joey Votto for one of three outs.

January 17, 2014: $15.525 Million Salary Agreement

On January 17, 2014, Max Scherzer and the Detroit Tigers agreed on a $15.525 million salary for the 2014 season, avoiding arbitration for the third straight year.

2014: Won AL Central Title

From 2011 to 2014, Max Scherzer helped the Detroit Tigers win four consecutive American League Central titles.

2014: Season Stats and ALDS Game 1

Max Scherzer finished the 2014 season with an 18–5 record, a 3.19 ERA, and 252 strikeouts. He made his only postseason appearance in Game 1 of the ALDS against the Baltimore Orioles, taking the loss.

January 21, 2015: Contract with the Washington Nationals

On January 21, 2015, Max Scherzer agreed to a seven-year, $210 million contract with the Washington Nationals, including a $50 million signing bonus and a no-trade clause.

April 6, 2015: Nationals Debut

On April 6, 2015, Max Scherzer made his regular season debut for the Nationals, striking out eight over 7+2⁄3 innings in a 3–1 loss to the New York Mets.

June 14, 2015: One-Hit Shutout with 16 Strikeouts

On June 14, 2015, Max Scherzer pitched a one-hit shutout against the Milwaukee Brewers, striking out 16, which established a new personal best and a Nationals team record for one game.

2015: Exceptional Season Despite Poor Run Support

During the 2015 season, Max Scherzer finished with a 2.79 ERA and 0.92 WHIP, striking out 276 batters with an MLB-leading 8.12 K:BB ratio, but compiled only a 14–12 record due to poor hitting support.

2015: Partnership with Nationals for LGBT Fans

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

2015: Multiple No-Hitters in a Single Season

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

2015: Second No-Hitter of the Season

On October 3, 2015, Max Scherzer achieved his second career no-hitter of the season versus the Mets, striking out a new career-high 17 batters with no walks. This dominant performance won the 2015 Esurance MLB Award for Best Performance.

May 11, 2016: Ties Strikeout Record

On May 11, 2016, in a game against the Tigers, Max Scherzer tied the major league nine-inning single-game strikeout record with 20. 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. He pitched in relief in the sixth inning.

November 16, 2016: National League Cy Young Award

On November 16, 2016, Max Scherzer was named the National League Cy Young Award winner, his second Cy Young Award, and also won two Esurance MLB/This Year in Baseball Awards for Best Pitcher and Best Performance.

2016: Strike Out Modern Slavery Fundraiser

During the Nationals' 2016 season, Max Scherzer started a fundraiser called Strike Out Modern Slavery, in which the couple matched donations to Polaris for every strikeout Scherzer threw.

2016: Won NL Cy Young Award

Max Scherzer won the NL Cy Young Award in 2016 and 2017 and made the National League All-Star Team five times with the Nationals.

2016: Scherzer pitched against Detroit at Comerica Park

On June 30, Max Scherzer faced his former team, the Detroit Tigers, at Comerica Park for the first time since his 20-strikeout game in 2016. He struck out 14 in an eight-inning outing.

2016: The Mets clinched their first playoff appearance since 2016

On September 19, 2022, Max Scherzer earned the 200th win of his career and the Mets clinched their first playoff appearance since 2016.

January 2017: Withdrawal from World Baseball Classic

In early January 2017, Max Scherzer withdrew from the 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 three batters on nine pitches versus Philadelphia.

August 2017: Pet Adoption Fees Coverage

In August 2017, after Hurricane Harvey, Max and Erica Scherzer announced they would pay all pet adoption fees from the Washington, D.C.-based Humane Rescue Alliance's shelters for four days.

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: Cy Young Award and Hall of Fame Selection

In 2017, Max Scherzer won his third National League Cy Young Award and was selected to Baseball America's All-MLB Team. He was also elected to the Arizona Fall League Hall of Fame.

2017: Season Stats and League Leading Performance

Max Scherzer finished the 2017 season with a 16–6 record and a 2.51 ERA. He led the National League with 268 strikeouts, a 0.90 WHIP, and a .178 batting average against.

2017: Won NL Cy Young Award

Max Scherzer won the NL Cy Young Award in 2016 and 2017 and made the National League All-Star Team five times with the Nationals.

2018: Consistent Starter

From 2009 to 2018, Max Scherzer made at least 30 starts each season, establishing himself as a consistent and reliable pitcher.

2019: Struck out 230 Batters

From 2012 to 2019, Max Scherzer struck out at least 230 batters in each season, demonstrating his dominance as a strikeout pitcher.

2019: World Series Win with Nationals

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

2019: Earned a win in Game 1 and started Game 7 of the World Series

In the 2019 World Series against the Houston Astros, Max Scherzer earned a win in Game 1 and started Game 7, which the Nationals also won for their first championship in franchise history.

2019: Scherzer concluded 2019 season

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 and Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP).

2019: Scherzer started for the Nationals on Opening Day

Max Scherzer started for the Nationals on Opening Day 2019 against Jacob deGrom of the Mets at Nationals Park.

2020: Scherzer posted a 5-4 record

May 2, 2021: Scherzer pitched his 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 and striking out nine.

July 30, 2021: Scherzer was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers

On July 30, 2021, Max Scherzer was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers along with Trea Turner in exchange for Josiah Gray, Keibert Ruiz, Donovan Casey, and Gerardo Carrillo. On August 4, Scherzer made his Dodgers debut, earning the win against the Houston Astros.

September 12, 2021: Joined the 3,000 Strikeout Club

On September 12, 2021, Max Scherzer joined the 3,000 strikeout club, solidifying his place among baseball's elite pitchers.

December 1, 2021: Scherzer 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, which included the largest AAV in MLB history at $43.3 million.

2021: Traded to Dodgers and Finished 3rd in NL Cy Young Voting

In 2021, Scherzer was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, where they reached the 2021 NLCS, and he finished 3rd in NL Cy Young voting.

2021: Scherzer reached 3,000 strikeouts

In a contest versus the San Diego Padres on September 12, 2021, Max Scherzer reached 3,000 strikeouts, becoming the 19th pitcher to reach the milestone. He also achieved his third immaculate inning. He finished the 2021 season with a 15–4 record and led all qualified pitchers with a 0.86 WHIP and a .185 batting average against.

April 8, 2022: Scherzer earned the win in his Mets debut

On April 8, 2022, Max Scherzer earned the win in his Mets debut against his former team, the Washington Nationals, marking 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

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

2022: Adoption Fee Coverage 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.

July 29, 2023: Scherzer was 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.

2023: Scherzer posted a 9-4 record

In 19 starts for the Mets in 2023, Max Scherzer posted a 9-4 record, a 4.01 ERA, and 121 strikeouts.

2023: Joined Elite Group of Pitchers

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 Rangers

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

2023: Traded to Rangers and won the World Series

Midway into the 2023 season, Max Scherzer was traded to the Rangers, where he started Games 3 and 7 of the 2023 ALCS against the Astros, and Game 3 of the 2023 World Series as the Rangers won their first championship in franchise history.

2024: Scherzer debuted for 2024 season

Max Scherzer made his 2024 season debut on June 23, and threw five scoreless innings against the Kansas City Royals. He struck out four, which gave him a career total of 3,371, tying him with Greg Maddux for eleventh place on MLB's all-time list.

2024: Scherzer opted into his 2024 player option

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

February 4, 2025: Scherzer 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. He was placed on the injured list on March 30 with right thumb inflammation.