Max Scherzer's Success and Achievements in Timeline

A closer look at the biggest achievements of Max Scherzer. Awards, milestones, and records that define success.

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

1908: Scherzer had struck out at least 68 batters while issuing five or fewer walks

In June, Max Scherzer went 6-0 with a low ERA and high strikeout count. 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.

1909: Surpassed George Mullin's Start

After a win against the Tampa Bay Rays 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.

1912: Season 19-1

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

1920: Scherzer became the fourth pitcher since 1920

In June, Max Scherzer went 6-0 with a low ERA and high strikeout count, 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.

1962: Pete Richert Record

In 1962, Pete Richert of the Los Angeles Dodgers set the previous record of 12 consecutive batters retired for a pitcher making his MLB debut as a reliever. Scherzer set the record for the number of consecutive batters retired (13) for a pitcher making his MLB debut as a reliever.

April 20, 1986: Barry Jones Strikeout Record

On April 20, 1986, Pittsburgh Pirates' Barry Jones recorded eight strikeouts, setting the MLB record for most strikeouts in a debut relief appearance. Scherzer was one short of the MLB record for most in a debut relief appearance.

1986: Roger Clemens Start

On July 3, 2013, Scherzer became the first major league starter to begin a season 13–0 since Roger Clemens in 1986.

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

In a May 19 start versus the Dodgers, Scherzer struck out 13, including dispatching his 100th of the season in 63 innings. It eclipsed Kerry Wood's record for fewest innings to reach 100 strikeouts with 65+2⁄3 which happened in 2001. Still the Nationals lost the game, 4–5, off a blown save by Sean Doolittle.

2001: Season 19-1

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

2005: Big 12 Pitcher of the Year

In 2005, Max Scherzer won the Big 12 Pitcher of the Year Award while playing for the University of Missouri, recognizing his outstanding performance in college baseball.

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: 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.

2011: Won AL Central Title

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

January 9, 2012: Inducted into University of Missouri Hall of Fame

On January 9, 2012, Max Scherzer was inducted into the University of Missouri Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame, honoring his achievements as a college athlete.

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.

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: 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: 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.

2014: Won AL Central Title

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

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: Scherzer accumulated the most innings, strikeouts, and pitching WAR

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

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.

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: 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.

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.

2017: Scherzer accumulated the most innings, strikeouts, and pitching WAR

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

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: 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: Sports Illustrated grades Scherzer as top pitcher

Before the 2018 season, Sports Illustrated graded Max Scherzer as the top pitcher and fourth-best overall player in baseball.

2018: Scherzer finishes second in Cy Young Award voting

For the 2018 season, Max Scherzer finished with an 18-7 record and a 2.53 ERA, throwing more pitches than any other major league pitcher. He finished second in Cy Young Award voting, behind Jacob deGrom.

2018: Consistent Starter

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

2018: Scherzer reached 1,000 strikeouts with Washington

On July 2, 2018, Max Scherzer collected his 1,000th strikeout since joining Washington, making him the 11th pitcher in major league history to reach 1,000 strikeouts with two different clubs. He was also selected as the NL starting pitcher in the All-Star Game.

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.

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.

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.

December 6, 2022: Scherzer was named to the All-MLB Second Team

On December 6, 2022, Max Scherzer was named to the All-MLB Second Team.

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.

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: Rangers won their first World Series title

In 2023, Max Scherzer was re-activated during the postseason. He started three postseason games and the Rangers would go on to win their first World Series title in franchise history.

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.