Maxwell "Mad Max" Scherzer is an American professional baseball pitcher for the Texas Rangers. Known for his intensity and competitiveness, he previously played for the Arizona Diamondbacks, Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Mets. The right-handed starting pitcher is an eight-time MLB All-Star, three-time Cy Young Award winner, has pitched two no-hitters, and won World Series titles with the Nationals in 2019 and the Rangers in 2023.
1900: First Complete Game and Shutout
Since 1900, no Major League starter had gone as long without a complete game as Max Scherzer, who finally achieved the feat in 2014.
1914: Three Game Scores of 97 or Higher
Since at least 1914, Max Scherzer was the first pitcher to achieve three game scores of 97 or higher in a single season.
1918: Walter Johnson's Impressive Season
In 1918, Walter Johnson joined Nolan Ryan as the only pitchers to record three game scores of 95 or higher in a single season.
1920: Historic Pitching Month
In a single calendar month in 1920, Max Scherzer became the fourth pitcher since 1920 to achieve an ERA of 1.00 or lower while striking out at least 68 batters.
1946: Bob Feller's Record-Breaking Streak
In 1946, Bob Feller set a Major League record with nine consecutive games of seven or more strikeouts to start the season.
1970: Tom Seaver's Strikeout Record
Tom Seaver set a Major League record in 1970 by striking out ten consecutive batters in a single game.
July 27, 1984: Birth of Max Scherzer
On July 27, 1984, Max Scherzer was born in Chesterfield, Missouri.
1990: Nolan Ryan's Game Score Feat
In 1990, Nolan Ryan became the first pitcher to achieve a game score of at least 97 twice in a single season.
2000: Pedro Martinez's Strikeout Record
Pedro Martinez became the first pitcher to achieve more than twice as many strikeouts as hits allowed in a single season in 2000.
2000: Pedro MartÃnez's Game Score Feat
In 2000, Pedro MartÃnez matched Nolan Ryan's accomplishment by achieving a game score of 97 or higher twice in a single season.
2001: Randy Johnson's Strikeout Record
Following Pedro Martinez's accomplishment in 2000, Randy Johnson also achieved the feat of recording more than twice as many strikeouts as hits allowed in the 2001 season.
2001: Kerry Wood's Strikeout Record
In 2001, Kerry Wood set a record for the fewest innings pitched to reach 100 strikeouts in a season, achieving the milestone in 65 and 2/3 innings.
2003: Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals
In 2003, Max Scherzer caught the attention of the St. Louis Cardinals, who drafted him in the 43rd round. However, he opted to pursue his college baseball career at the University of Missouri.
2004: Debut with the La Crosse Loggers in the Northwoods League
In 2004, Max Scherzer gained valuable experience playing summer baseball for the La Crosse Loggers in the Northwoods League.
2005: Big 12 Pitcher of the Year Award
Max Scherzer's exceptional pitching talent was recognized in 2005 when he was honored with the prestigious Big 12 Pitcher of the Year Award during his college career.
2006: Drafted by the Arizona Diamondbacks
In 2006, Max Scherzer's professional baseball journey began when he was selected by the Arizona Diamondbacks as the 11th overall pick in the MLB draft. This selection marked his entry into the major leagues.
2006: First-Ever MLB First-Round Draft Pick from the University of Missouri
Max Scherzer made history for the University of Missouri in 2006 by becoming the school's first-ever baseball player to be selected in the first round of the MLB draft.
2007: Ranked Fourth-Best Prospect in the Diamondbacks Organization
Max Scherzer's potential was evident during the 2007 offseason when he earned recognition as the fourth-best prospect in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization.
April 27, 2008: Called Up to the Majors
On April 27, 2008, Max Scherzer received the call that every baseball player dreams of—he was being called up to the major leagues. This promotion marked the beginning of his MLB career.
April 29, 2008: MLB Debut
Max Scherzer made his Major League Baseball debut on April 29, 2008, pitching in relief for the Arizona Diamondbacks against the Houston Astros. He struck out the first batter he faced, Jack Cassel, and went on to retire 13 consecutive batters, setting a new record for a reliever making their MLB debut. He finished the game with seven strikeouts in 4 1/3 innings.
April 30, 2008: First MLB Start
On April 30, 2008, just one day after his impressive debut, Max Scherzer was given his first start for the Arizona Diamondbacks. He pitched four innings, giving up two earned runs on five hits, and striking out five batters. The Diamondbacks lost the game, giving Scherzer his first MLB loss.
2008: Arizona Fall League Success
Scherzer's success in the Arizona Fall League, where he recorded a 3.38 ERA over four starts in 2008, contributed to his later induction into the league's Hall of Fame.
2008: MLB Debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks
Max Scherzer made his highly anticipated MLB debut in 2008 with the Arizona Diamondbacks. This marked the beginning of his illustrious career in the major leagues.
May 16, 2009: First MLB Win
Max Scherzer earned his first Major League win on May 16, 2009, pitching for the Arizona Diamondbacks against the Atlanta Braves. The Diamondbacks won the game with a score of 12-0.
December 9, 2009: Trade to the Detroit Tigers
In a three-team trade on December 9, 2009, Max Scherzer was traded from the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Detroit Tigers. This trade also involved the New York Yankees and sent players like Ian Kennedy and Curtis Granderson to other teams.
December 2009: Traded to the Detroit Tigers
In December 2009, a pivotal moment in Max Scherzer's career occurred when he was traded from the Arizona Diamondbacks to the Detroit Tigers. This trade marked a significant turning point, as he would go on to achieve great success with the Tigers.
2009: Beginning of Consistent Starting Pitcher Performance
From 2009 onward, Max Scherzer established himself as a reliable starting pitcher, consistently delivering strong performances and showcasing his durability on the mound.
2009: Yankee Stadium Strikeout Record
In 2009, Max Scherzer set a record for most strikeouts by an opposing pitcher at the current Yankee Stadium, which opened that same year.
2009: First Career Home Run and Neck Injury
In 2009, Scherzer experienced both a career highlight and a setback. He hit his first career home run, a three-run shot, but later went on the disabled list for the first time since that year due to recurring neck spasms.
June 8, 2010: Stephen Strasburg's 14 Strikeout Game
On June 8, 2010, Stephen Strasburg struck out 14 batters against the Pittsburgh Pirates, a Nationals team record at the time.
2010: Top 10 Strikeouts
Despite spending some time in the minor leagues during the 2010 season, Max Scherzer still managed to achieve a top 10 position in the American League for strikeouts, totaling 184 for the season.
2010: Joining Forces with Justin Verlander
In 2010, Max Scherzer's career with the Detroit Tigers began, marking the start of a formidable pitching duo alongside Justin Verlander. Although they missed the playoffs that year, they led the Tigers to four consecutive AL Central division titles from 2011 to 2014.
June 12, 2011: Bobblehead Commemorates Heterochromia
On June 12, 2011, the Detroit Tigers released a bobblehead of Scherzer that accurately depicted his heterochromia iridum, with his right eye blue and his left eye brown.
2011: First American League Central Title with the Detroit Tigers
In 2011, Max Scherzer, as a member of the Detroit Tigers, celebrated his first American League Central division title. This marked the beginning of a successful period for the team.
2011: Six Straight Wins
Early in the 2011 season, Max Scherzer achieved a streak of six consecutive wins as the third starter in the Tigers' rotation. This feat marked the first time a Tigers pitcher had achieved this since Jeremy Bonderman in 2006.
January 9, 2012: Inducted into the University of Missouri Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame
On January 9, 2012, the University of Missouri recognized Max Scherzer's outstanding contributions to its athletics program by inducting him into its Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame.
May 20, 2012: Near Franchise Record Strikeouts
On May 20, 2012, Max Scherzer came close to tying the Detroit Tigers' franchise record for strikeouts in a single game. He struck out 15 batters from the Pittsburgh Pirates in just seven innings, falling one short of Mickey Lolich's record.
2012: Successful Postseason Run
Despite dealing with a late-season injury, Max Scherzer performed well for the Tigers in the 2012 postseason. His efforts helped the team secure the AL Central division title and advance to the World Series, where they ultimately lost to the San Francisco Giants.
2012: Loss of Brother and Dedication
Max Scherzer's younger brother, Alex, died by suicide in 2012. Max learned about sabermetrics from his brother and honors him by dedicating every start to him.
2012: Beginning of Consistent Strikeout Dominance
Starting in 2012, Max Scherzer embarked on a remarkable run of striking out at least 230 batters each season, showcasing his exceptional ability to overpower hitters.
2012: American League Champions
The Detroit Tigers, led by Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, won the American League Championship in 2012, marking Scherzer's first World Series appearance. However, they were defeated by the San Francisco Giants.
June 28, 2013: Historic Winning Streak
Max Scherzer began the 2013 season with an impressive 12-0 record, setting a new record for the Detroit Tigers. He surpassed George Mullin's 11-0 start from 1909 and went on to extend his streak to 13-0, becoming the first MLB starter since Roger Clemens in 1986 to achieve this feat.
November 2013: Marriage to Erica May
After more than eight years of dating, Max Scherzer and Erica May married in November 2013.
2013: Scherzer's Superstars Program
In 2013, Max and Erica Scherzer partnered with the Detroit Tigers Foundation to launch "Scherzer's Superstars," inviting children from Big Brothers Big Sisters to games.
2013: American League Cy Young Award Winner
Max Scherzer's exceptional pitching abilities were recognized in 2013 when he received the prestigious American League Cy Young Award. This accolade cemented his status as one of the league's top pitchers.
2013: AL Cy Young Award
Max Scherzer's incredible 2013 season, which included leading the league in wins (21) and ERA (2.90), earned him the prestigious American League Cy Young Award. This marked his first Cy Young Award and solidified his place as one of the best pitchers in baseball.
2013: 2013 ALCS Performance
Scherzer continued his impressive form into the 2013 ALCS against the eventual World Series champions, the Boston Red Sox. In Game 2, he held Boston hitless for over five innings, striking out 13 batters and leaving the game with a 5-1 lead. Unfortunately, the Tigers' bullpen faltered, leading to a heartbreaking loss. Scherzer also started Game 6, but the Tigers fell to the Red Sox, ending their season.
2013: Near No-Hitters in Postseason
In 2013, Max Scherzer and teammate AnÃbal Sánchez both pitched deep into games with no-hitters intact during the ALCS, mirroring a similar feat they achieved in the 2013 ALCS.
2013: 2013 ALDS Dominant Performance
During the 2013 ALDS, Scherzer delivered a dominant performance in Game 1 against the Oakland Athletics, striking out 11 batters and only allowing one hit in the first six innings. Despite giving up a two-run homer to Yoenis Céspedes, he secured the win for the Tigers with a final score of 3-2. He also played a crucial role in Game 4, coming in as a reliever and earning the victory despite facing a challenging situation in the eighth inning.
2013: First All-Star Game Selection
In recognition of his outstanding performance in the first half of the 2013 season, Max Scherzer was selected to his first All-Star Game, representing the American League. He was chosen through a player vote and was later named the starting pitcher for the AL team by manager Jim Leyland. He pitched a perfect inning in the game, adding to his already impressive season stats.
January 17, 2014: Agreement with the Tigers
On January 17, 2014, Scherzer and the Detroit Tigers avoided arbitration for the third consecutive year by agreeing on a $15.525 million salary for the 2014 season.
2014: 2014 Season Performance
Scherzer concluded the 2014 season with an impressive 18-5 record, a 3.19 ERA, and a 1.175 WHIP, setting new career highs in innings pitched (220.1) and strikeouts (252). His 18 wins tied him for the AL lead. His only postseason appearance in 2014 was in Game 1 of the ALDS against the Baltimore Orioles, where he took the loss after surrendering five earned runs in 7.1 innings.
2014: Fourth Consecutive American League Central Title with the Detroit Tigers
The Detroit Tigers, led by Max Scherzer's pitching prowess, continued their dominance in the American League Central by securing their fourth consecutive division title in 2014.
January 21, 2015: Signing with the Washington Nationals
On January 21, 2015, Scherzer signed a seven-year, $210 million contract with the Washington Nationals, a deal overseen by General Manager Mike Rizzo.
April 6, 2015: Nationals Debut
Scherzer made his regular-season debut for the Nationals on April 6, 2015, starting on Opening Day against the New York Mets. Despite striking out eight batters over 7.2 innings, he recorded the loss in a 3-1 game.
June 14, 2015: Second Career Complete Game
On June 14, 2015, Scherzer pitched his second career complete game, a 4-0 shutout against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park. He allowed just one hit and one walk while striking out a personal-best and Nationals team record 16 batters.
2015: LGBTQ+ Advocacy and Support
In 2015, inspired by teammate Sean Doolittle and his wife, Erica May-Scherzer championed the Washington Nationals' "Night Out" for LGBTQ+ fans.
2015: Second No-Hitter and Dominant Performance
On October 3, 2015, Scherzer achieved his second no-hitter of the season, this time against the New York Mets, while striking out a career-high 17 batters and issuing no walks. The only baserunners he allowed reached on a throwing error and a subsequent force out. This game earned Scherzer the 2015 Esurance MLB Award for Best Performance.
2015: Exceptional Season with the Nationals
In 2015, Max Scherzer had an impressive season, boasting a 2.79 ERA, a 0.92 WHIP, and an MLB-leading 8.12 K:BB ratio. He also led the league in first-strike percentage with an impressive 73.3%.
2015: Multiple No-Hitters in a Single Season
In 2015, Max Scherzer achieved a rare feat by throwing multiple no-hitters in a single season, joining an elite group of pitchers who have accomplished this remarkable achievement.
2015: Dominant Performance with the Nationals
From 2015 to 2017, Max Scherzer consistently showcased his pitching prowess with the Nationals. During this period, he recorded numerous games with at least five hitless innings, including two no-hitters.
May 11, 2016: Ties Major League Record for Strikeouts in a Nine-Inning Game
On May 11, 2016, Max Scherzer etched his name in the MLB record books by tying the record for most strikeouts in a nine-inning game with an astounding 20 strikeouts.
July 8, 2016: All-Star Game Appearance
On July 8, 2016, Max Scherzer was named to the National League All-Star team as a replacement for his teammate Stephen Strasburg. In the game, he pitched a scoreless sixth inning in relief.
November 16, 2016: Second Cy Young Award
On November 16, 2016, Max Scherzer won his second Cy Young Award, this time in the National League. He had a stellar season, finishing with a 20-7 record, a 2.96 ERA, an MLB-leading 284 strikeouts, and an MLB-leading 0.968 WHIP. This achievement made him the sixth pitcher in MLB history to win the award in both leagues.
2016: Combating Human Trafficking
During the 2016 season, Max Scherzer initiated the "Strike Out Modern Slavery" fundraiser, with the couple matching donations to the Polaris Project for every strikeout he threw.
2016: Broken Nose and Dominant Performances
In 2016, Max Scherzer suffered a broken nose during batting practice but still started the next day against the Philadelphia Phillies, earning a win. Later that year, he faced his former team, the Detroit Tigers, for the first time at Comerica Park since being traded, striking out 14 batters in a win.
2016: Playoff Appearance with the Mets
In 2016, the New York Mets, Scherzer's future team, made an appearance in the playoffs.
January 2017: Withdrawal from World Baseball Classic
In January 2017, Max Scherzer had to withdraw from the World Baseball Classic due to a stress fracture in his right ring finger. This injury also delayed his start to spring training.
May 14, 2017: First Career Immaculate Inning
On May 14, 2017, Scherzer achieved a remarkable feat by pitching an immaculate inning against the Philadelphia Phillies, striking out César Hernández, Odubel Herrera, and Aaron Altherr on just nine pitches in the fourth inning.
August 2017: Support for Hurricane Harvey Relief
Following Hurricane Harvey in August 2017, Max and Erica Scherzer offered to cover all pet adoption fees at the Washington, D.C.-based Humane Rescue Alliance shelters for four days.
November 29, 2017: First Daughter's Birth
Scherzer and his wife, Erica, welcomed their first daughter on November 29, 2017.
2017: Third Cy Young Award and Hall of Fame Induction
Max Scherzer's exceptional performance in 2017 earned him his third Cy Young Award, solidifying his place as one of the greatest pitchers in baseball history. He also received the Players Choice Award for National League Outstanding Pitcher for the second time in his career. In recognition of his achievements, Scherzer was inducted into the Arizona Fall League Hall of Fame.
2017: Nationals Celebrate Scherzer's Unique Eyes
In 2017, the Washington Nationals unveiled a "creepy" image featuring a close-up of Scherzer's eyes, highlighting his heterochromia with the colors accurately represented.
2017: Third-Fastest Pitcher to 2,000 Strikeouts
In 2017, Max Scherzer achieved the impressive feat of becoming the third-fastest pitcher in MLB history to reach 2,000 career strikeouts.
2017: Continued Success with the Nationals
Scherzer continued to be a dominant force on the mound for the Nationals through 2017, solidifying his reputation as one of the top pitchers in the league.
2017: Dominant Season and Strikeout Record
Max Scherzer had a remarkable 2017 season, leading the National League with 268 strikeouts and achieving a 0.90 WHIP and a .178 batting average against. He also joined an elite group of pitchers by recording more than twice as many strikeouts as hits allowed, a feat previously accomplished by Pedro Martinez and Randy Johnson.
2017: Second NL Cy Young Award
Max Scherzer's dominance on the mound continued in 2017 as he earned his second NL Cy Young Award, solidifying his reputation as one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball.
August 6, 2018: Scherzer's Approach to the Game
On August 6, 2018, it was noted that Scherzer's batting average as a pitcher was .283, the second-best in the National League. His dedication to hitting and baserunning, alongside his intense focus on pitching, set him apart from other pitchers.
2018: Top Pitcher Ranking and Impressive Start with the Nationals
Before the start of the 2018 season, Sports Illustrated ranked Max Scherzer as the best pitcher in baseball and the fourth-best player overall. Between 2015 and 2017, his first 98 starts with the Nationals, he led the league in innings pitched, strikeouts, and pitching WAR.
2018: Strikeout Milestones and All-Star Selection
In 2018, Max Scherzer reached several significant milestones. He recorded his 1,000th strikeout with the Nationals, becoming the 11th pitcher in MLB history to achieve 1,000 strikeouts with two different teams. Additionally, he reached the 200-strikeout mark for the seventh consecutive season, joining an elite group of pitchers including Walter Johnson, Roger Clemens, and Tom Seaver. He was also selected as the starting pitcher for the National League in the All-Star game.
2018: Near Repeat of Strikeout Record
Max Scherzer almost replicated his remarkable feat of 2017 in the following season, 2018. He recorded 300 strikeouts with only 150 hits allowed.
2018: Second Place Cy Young Finish
Max Scherzer had another outstanding season in 2018, finishing with an 18-7 record and a 2.53 ERA. He also led the major leagues in pitches thrown with 3,493. Despite these achievements, he finished second in Cy Young Award voting to Jacob deGrom.
2018: End of Consistent 30-Start Seasons
Until 2018, Max Scherzer had an impressive streak of making at least 30 starts each season, highlighting his consistency and value to his teams.
July 4, 2019: Second Daughter's Birth
On July 4, 2019, Scherzer's second daughter was born.
2019: Cole and Verlander Join the Elite Club
In 2019, Gerrit Cole and Justin Verlander joined the exclusive group of pitchers who have recorded more than twice as many strikeouts as hits allowed in a single season.
2019: World Series Champion with the Washington Nationals
In 2019, Max Scherzer achieved a significant milestone by winning the World Series with the Washington Nationals. He played a crucial role in the team's victory, showcasing his exceptional pitching skills.
2019: Strong Season Performance
Max Scherzer concluded the 2019 season with impressive statistics, including leading the major leagues in strikeouts/walks ratio and Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP).
2019: Opening Day Start Against deGrom
Max Scherzer started for the Nationals on Opening Day in 2019, facing off against the reigning Cy Young Award winner, Jacob deGrom of the New York Mets, at Nationals Park.
2019: End of Consistent Strikeout Dominance
Max Scherzer's streak of striking out at least 230 batters each season, which began in 2012, came to an end in 2019, marking a shift in his performance.
2019: Salary Increase
Scherzer's salary increased to $35 million annually starting in 2019, the same year his deferrals began.
2020: Salary Increase
Scherzer's salary increased to $35 million annually starting in 2020, the same year his deferrals began.
2020: Pandemic-Shortened Season
During the shortened 2020 MLB season, Max Scherzer recorded a 5-4 record with a 3.74 ERA.
May 2, 2021: First Complete Game and Historic Strikeout Milestone
On May 2, 2021, Scherzer pitched his first complete game of the season. Later that month, he achieved his 100th double-digit strikeout game, becoming the fifth pitcher in MLB history to reach that milestone.
July 30, 2021: Trade to the Dodgers
On July 30, 2021, Max Scherzer was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers along with teammate Trea Turner.
September 12, 2021: Joins the 3,000 Strikeout Club
On September 12, 2021, while playing for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Max Scherzer reached a historic milestone by striking out his 3,000th batter, solidifying his place among baseball's greatest pitchers.
December 1, 2021: Record-Breaking Contract with the Mets
On December 1, 2021, Max Scherzer signed a three-year, $130 million contract with the New York Mets, setting a record for the largest average annual value (AAV) in MLB history.
2021: 3,000th Strikeout, Immaculate Inning, and Dominant Dodgers Debut
In 2021, Max Scherzer achieved several milestones, including recording his 3,000th strikeout, pitching his third immaculate inning, and having a dominant stretch with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He finished the season with a 15-4 record.
2021: Traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers
In 2021, Max Scherzer was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers, a move that brought him to a team with World Series aspirations.
2021: Salary Increase
Scherzer's salary increased to $35 million annually starting in 2021, the same year his deferrals began.
April 8, 2022: Mets Debut and Home Debut Win
Max Scherzer made his Mets debut against his former team, the Washington Nationals, in 2022, and earned his first win with the Mets at Citi Field later that month.
June 2022: Promoting Dog Adoption
In June 2022, the Scherzers encouraged dog adoption by covering fees at the St. Hubert's Animal Welfare Center, resulting in over 270 adoptions.
September 19, 2022: 200th Win and Playoff Berth
In 2022, Scherzer secured his 200th career win and helped the Mets clinch their first playoff appearance since 2016.
December 6, 2022: All-MLB Second Team Selection
Max Scherzer was named to the All-MLB Second Team on December 6, 2022.
2022: Named to the All-MLB Team
Max Scherzer's consistent excellence earned him a well-deserved spot on the All-MLB Team in 2022, a testament to his status as one of the game's elite players.
January 30, 2023: Fourth Child's Birth
The Scherzers welcomed their fourth child, a daughter, on January 30, 2023.
July 29, 2023: Trade to the Rangers
On July 29, 2023, Max Scherzer was traded to the Texas Rangers.
2023: Postseason and World Series Victory
In 2023, Scherzer returned to the postseason, playing in three games. Despite experiencing back pain, he contributed to the Texas Rangers winning their first World Series title, earning Scherzer his second championship ring.
2023: World Series Champion with the Texas Rangers
Max Scherzer added another World Series title to his name in 2023 as a member of the Texas Rangers. This victory further solidified his legacy as one of the game's most accomplished pitchers.
2024: Player Option
As part of his trade to the Rangers in 2023, Max Scherzer opted into his 2024 player option.