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 playing for the Toronto Blue Jays. A right-handed starting pitcher, he's an eight-time All-Star and a three-time Cy Young Award winner. Notably, he has pitched two no-hitters and has won the World Series with two different teams (Nationals in 2019, Rangers in 2023). Scherzer is widely considered to be among the best pitchers in the history of baseball.

Sections (4)

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

1908: First time since 1908 that any pitcher had struck out at least 68 batters while issuing five or fewer walks

En route to a historic performance in June 2019, Scherzer went 6–0 over six starts and 45 innings. 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.

1920: Became fourth pitcher since 1920 to post an ERA of 1.00 or lower

En route to a historic performance in June 2019, Scherzer went 6–0 over six starts and 45 innings. He 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.

2001: Eclipsed Kerry Wood's record for fewest innings to reach 100 strikeouts

On May 19 during a start versus the Dodgers in 2018, Scherzer struck out 13, including dispatching his 100th of the season in 63 innings, eclipsing Kerry Wood's record for fewest innings to reach 100 strikeouts with 65+2⁄3 innings which happened in 2001.

April 29, 2008: MLB Debut

On April 29, 2008, Max Scherzer made his MLB debut for the Arizona Diamondbacks against the Houston Astros, striking out Jack Cassel, the first batter he faced. He pitched 4 1⁄3 perfect innings while striking out seven, setting a record for consecutive batters retired (13) for a pitcher making his MLB debut as a reliever.

April 30, 2008: Scherzer announced as part of Diamondbacks starting rotation

On April 30, 2008, following an impressive debut, the Diamondbacks announced that Scherzer would join their starting rotation. In his first start, he allowed five runs (two earned) in four innings, striking out five and taking his first major league loss. He then returned to the bullpen for much of the 2008 season.

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 while playing for the Arizona Diamondbacks.

December 9, 2009: Trade to Detroit Tigers

On December 9, 2009, Max Scherzer, along with Daniel Schlereth, Phil Coke, and Austin Jackson, was traded from the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Detroit Tigers as part of a three-team agreement.

2009: Established a strikeout record by an opposing pitcher of the then-current iteration of Yankee Stadium

On May 8, 2021, Scherzer faced the New York Yankees, striking out 14 over 7+1⁄3 innings, allowing two hits, one run and one walk. It was the 100th double-digit strikeout game of his career, making him just the fifth pitcher to reach the milestone. The 14 strikeouts established a record by an opposing pitcher of the then-current iteration of Yankee Stadium, opened in 2009.

2011: Highest ERA since 2011

In 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.

July 1, 2013: All-Star Game Selection

On July 1, 2013, Max Scherzer was selected by player vote to represent the American League in the 2013 All-Star Game, marking his first major league All-Star selection. Entering the All-Star break, Scherzer had a 13–1 record.

2013: Mirrored feat with Aníbal Sánchez in 2013 ALCS

After the NLDS in 2019, the Nationals advanced to the National League Championship Series (NLCS) to face the St. Louis Cardinals. Scherzer's performance mirrored 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: Scherzer's Performance in 2013 ALDS

During the 2013 ALDS Game 1, Max Scherzer delivered a dominant performance, striking out 11 and allowing just one hit through six innings, contributing to the Tigers' 3–2 victory. He later earned the win in Game 4 as a reliever, helping the Tigers advance in the series.

2013: Scherzer's Achievements in 2013

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

2013: Scherzer's Superstars Program

In 2013, the Scherzers partnered with the Detroit Tigers Foundation on a program called Scherzer's Superstars. Through this program, groups from the Metropolitan Detroit chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America were invited to Comerica Park every Tuesday home game to meet Scherzer and some of his Detroit teammates and go down to the field for batting practice.

January 17, 2014: Scherzer Agrees to Salary 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 consecutive year.

2014: Scherzer's 2014 Season

Max Scherzer concluded the 2014 season with an 18–5 record, a 3.19 ERA, and a 1.175 WHIP, marking new career bests in innings pitched (220+1⁄3) and strikeouts (252). Scherzer made his only postseason appearance of 2014 in Game 1 of the ALDS against the Baltimore Orioles.

January 21, 2015: Scherzer Signs with 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.

April 6, 2015: Scherzer's Nationals Debut

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

June 14, 2015: Scherzer's Near Perfect Game

On June 14, 2015, Max Scherzer pitched a one-hit shutout against the Milwaukee Brewers, recording 16 strikeouts and achieving a game score of 100. He lost his perfect game in the seventh inning to a bloop single.

2015: Accumulated most innings, strikeouts, and pitching WAR

From 2015 to 2017, Scherzer accumulated the most innings, strikeouts, and pitching WAR in his first 98 starts with the Nationals.

2015: Scherzer's 2015 Season Stats

In 2015, Max Scherzer finished the season with a 2.79 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP, striking out 276 batters. He led MLB with an 8.12 K:BB ratio and a 73.3% first-strike percentage, but had a 14-12 record due to poor hitting support.

2015: Partnership with Nationals' Night Out Event

In 2015, after Max Scherzer signed with the Washington Nationals and inspired by the actions of Sean Doolittle and Eireann Dolan, 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: Scherzer's Second No-Hitter

On October 3, 2015, Max Scherzer pitched his second no-hitter of the season against the New York Mets, striking out a career-high 17 batters and achieving a game score of 104, earning the 2015 Esurance MLB Award for Best Performance.

July 8, 2016: Scherzer Named All-Star

On July 8, 2016, Max Scherzer was named to the National League squad at the All-Star Game in San Diego, replacing teammate Stephen Strasburg. He pitched in relief, 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, marking his second Cy Young Award. He also secured two 2016 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 he and his wife, Erica, matched donations to the Polaris Project for every strikeout Scherzer threw that season.

2016: Pitched against Detroit at Comerica Park for the first time since 20-strikeout game

On June 30, 2019, Scherzer faced his former team, the Detroit Tigers. It was the first time he pitched against Detroit at Comerica Park since joining the Nationals, and the first since the 20-strikeout game in 2016. This time, he struck out 14 while allowing four hits over eight innings in a 2–1 win for his 90th career double-digit strikeout game.

2016: Mets clinched their first playoff appearance since 2016

Scherzer earned the 200th win of his career on September 19, 2022, after pitching six perfect innings at American Family Field in his return from the injured list. In the same game, 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 against the Philadelphia Phillies.

August 2017: Covering Pet Adoption Fees After Hurricane Harvey

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

2017: Accumulated most innings, strikeouts, and pitching WAR

From 2015 to 2017, Scherzer accumulated the most innings, strikeouts, and pitching WAR in his first 98 starts with the Nationals.

2017: Scherzer Wins Third Cy Young Award and More

In 2017, Max Scherzer earned several end-of-season awards, including selection to Baseball America's All-MLB Team, his third National League Cy Young Award, and the Players Choice Award for National League Outstanding Pitcher. He was also elected to the Arizona Fall League Hall of Fame.

2017: Scherzer's 2017 Season

Max Scherzer finished the 2017 season with a 16–6 record and a 2.51 ERA, leading the National League with 268 strikeouts. He also became the 3rd starting pitcher in MLB history to have more than twice as many strikeouts in a season (268) as hits allowed (126).

2018: Graded as top pitcher by Sports Illustrated

Before the 2018 season, Sports Illustrated graded Scherzer as the top pitcher, and fourth-best overall player in baseball. In 2018, Scherzer also stole his first career base while playing Atlanta on April 9th.

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

In 2018, Scherzer lost three times as the Nationals' offense was shut out each time. He was selected as the NL starting pitcher in the All-Star Game, played at Nationals Park, for his third starting assignment. He got his 200th regular season strikeout on July 27th versus the Marlins.

2018: Scherzer's 2018 Season

In the 2018 season, Scherzer recorded 300 strikeouts and only 150 hits allowed.

2019: Scherzer's Salary Increase

In 2019, Max Scherzer's contract specified a salary increase to $35 million a year.

2019: Started for the Nationals on Opening Day

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

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

Over 27 total starts and 172+1⁄3 IP, Scherzer concluded 2019 with an 11–7 record, 2.92 ERA, 144 hits allowed, 1.027 WHIP, and 243 strikeouts. He led all major league pitchers in strikeouts/walks ratio, at 7.364, and Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP), at 2.45.

2020: Scherzer's Salary

In 2020, Max Scherzer's contract specified a salary of $35 million.

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

In 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.

May 2, 2021: Pitched his first complete game of the season

On May 2, 2021, Scherzer pitched his first complete game of the season versus the Marlins, allowing one run while striking out nine and allowing no bases on balls.

July 30, 2021: Traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers

On July 30, 2021, Scherzer was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers along with Trea Turner in exchange for Josiah Gray, Keibert Ruiz, Donovan Casey, and Gerardo Carrillo.

December 1, 2021: Agreed to contract with the New York Mets

On December 1, 2021, Scherzer agreed to a three-year, $130 million contract with the New York Mets. The contract has an average annual value (AAV) of $43.3 million, which is the largest AAV in MLB history.

2021: Scherzer's Salary

In 2021, Max Scherzer's contract specified a salary of $35 million.

2021: Reached 3,000 strikeouts

On September 12, 2021, Scherzer became the 19th pitcher to reach 3,000 strikeouts. In his first nine starts with the Dodgers, Scherzer allowed five earned runs in 58 innings for a 0.78 ERA. 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: Earned the win in his Mets debut against his former team

On April 8, 2022, Scherzer earned the win in his Mets debut against his former team, the Washington Nationals. The start was Scherzer's first-ever start as a visitor at Nationals Park.

2022: Covering Adoption Fees at St. Hubert's

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: Traded to the Texas Rangers

On July 29, 2023, the Mets traded Scherzer to the Texas Rangers along with $35.5 million in cash considerations for shortstop prospect Luisangel Acuña.

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: Started three postseason games for the Rangers

Scherzer was re-activated during the postseason in 2023. He started three postseason games: Games 3 and 7 of the 2023 ALCS and Game 3 of the 2023 World Series.

2024: Opted into 2024 player option with the Texas Rangers

As part of the deal to be traded to the Texas Rangers on July 29, 2023, Scherzer opted into his 2024 player option worth more than $43 million.

2024: Tied Greg Maddux for eleventh place on MLB's all-time list

On June 23, 2024, Scherzer 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. Scherzer did not have a healthy 2024, dealing with arm fatigue and nerve issues, ending his season early with a hamstring strain.