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 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

1900: Longest Expanse Without Complete Game Since 1900

Since 1900, Max Scherzer had the longest expanse without a complete game.

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.

1914: Three-Game Scores of 97 or Higher

Since 1914, Max Scherzer became the first to assemble three-game scores of 97 or higher in one season.

1918: Walter Johnson's Game Scores

In 1918, Walter Johnson carried out three-game scores of 95 or more in one season.

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.

1946: Bob Feller's Record

In 1946, Bob Feller set the Major League record for consecutive 7+ strikeout games to start the season with nine.

1970: Tom Seaver's Record

In 1970, Tom Seaver set the Major League record for consecutive strikeouts.

1990: Nolan Ryan's Game Score

In 1990, Nolan Ryan achieved a game score of at least 97.

2000: Pedro Martinez's Record

In 2000, Pedro Martinez had 284 strikeouts and 128 hits.

2001: Randy Johnson's Record

In 2001, Randy Johnson had 372 strikeouts and 181 hits.

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.

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.

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.

June 8, 2010: Stephen Strasburg's Record

On June 8, 2010, Stephen Strasburg recorded 14 strikeouts versus the Pittsburgh Pirates.

2011: Zimmermann's Immaculate Inning

In 2011, Zimmermann pitched an immaculate inning versus the Florida Marlins.

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

On January 9, 2012, Max Scherzer was inducted into the University of Missouri Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame.

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 the franchise record. Scherzer also surpassed 200 strikeouts for the first time.

June 28, 2013: First Tigers pitcher to start season 12-0

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

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.

July 3, 2013: First major league starter to begin season 13-0 since Roger Clemens

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

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.

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 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.

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.

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: Finished second in Cy Young Award voting

For the 2018 season, Scherzer was 18–7 with a 2.53 ERA. He threw 3,493 pitches, more than any other major league pitcher, and finished second in Cy Young Award voting, behind Jacob deGrom.

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.

2019: Cole and Verlander's Records

In 2019, Gerrit Cole and Justin Verlander had twice as many strikeouts as hits allowed.

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.

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.

December 6, 2022: Named to the All-MLB Second Team

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

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.