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. An eight-time All-Star, he has won three Cy Young Awards and pitched two no-hitters. As a right-handed starting pitcher, he played for multiple teams, including the Diamondbacks, Tigers, Nationals, Dodgers, Mets, Rangers, and Blue Jays. He has won two World Series championships, one with the Washington Nationals in 2019 and another with the Texas Rangers in 2023. He is widely considered one of the best pitchers in baseball history.

Sections (4)

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

1900: Longest expanse without a complete game

In 1900, it was recorded that no major league starter had gone as long without a complete game as Scherzer before his first complete game and shutout on June 12, 2014.

1908: Struck out at least 68 batters while issuing five or fewer walks

In June 2019, Max Scherzer went 6-0 over six starts and 45 innings, marking 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: Previous Tigers Record Start

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: Following Marquard Record

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

1920: achieved ERA of 1.00 while logging at least 68 strikeouts in one calendar month

In June 2019, Max Scherzer went 6-0 over six starts and 45 innings, 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.

1946: Bob Feller's strikeout record

In 1946, Bob Feller achieved a Major League record for consecutive games with at least seven strikeouts to start the season, with nine games. This record is mentioned in the context of Max Scherzer approaching a similar record.

1962: Previous Consecutive Batters Retired Record

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

1970: Tom Seaver's Major League Strikeout Record

In 1970, Tom Seaver set the Major League record for most consecutive strikeouts with ten. On October 3, 2015, Max Scherzer struck out nine consecutive Mets, falling just one strikeout short of tying Seaver's record.

April 20, 1986: Barry Jones Strikeout Record

On April 20, 1986, Barry Jones of the Pittsburgh Pirates had eight strikeouts on April 20, 1986, which was one more than Scherzer during his debut relief appearance

1986: Previous MLB Record Start

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

2001: Following Clemens Record

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

2004: Played with La Crosse Loggers

In 2004, After his freshman year at the University of Missouri, Scherzer played with the La Crosse Loggers of the Northwoods League (NWL), a collegiate summer baseball league. He went 2–1 that summer with a 1.91 ERA with six saves. He also struck out 50 batters in only 33 innings pitched. He was named a mid-season All-Star.

2005: Big 12 Pitcher of the Year

In 2005, Scherzer won the Big 12 Pitcher of the Year Award as a sophomore with Missouri.

April 29, 2008: MLB Debut Against Astros

On April 29, 2008, Scherzer made his MLB debut against the Houston Astros, striking out Jack Cassel. He threw 4 1/3 perfect innings, striking out seven, setting a record for consecutive batters retired (13) for a pitcher making his MLB debut as a reliever.

2009: Consistent Starter

From 2009, Scherzer consistently made at least 30 starts each season, showcasing his reliability as a starting pitcher.

2009: Set strikeout record at Yankee Stadium

On May 8, 2021, Max Scherzer faced the New York Yankees, striking out 14 over 7+1⁄3 innings, setting a record for an opposing pitcher at the then-current iteration of Yankee Stadium, which opened in 2009.

June 8, 2010: Stephen Strasburg's previous Nationals strikeout record

On June 8, 2010, Stephen Strasburg set a Nationals team record with 14 strikeouts versus the Pittsburgh Pirates, a record that Max Scherzer would surpass on June 14, 2015.

2011: AL Central Title with Tigers

In 2011, Scherzer helped the Detroit Tigers win the first of four consecutive American League Central titles.

2011: Zimmermann's immaculate inning

In 2011, Zimmermann pitched an immaculate inning versus the Florida Marlins, which was the first in Nationals' history. Max Scherzer pitched his first career immaculate inning on May 14, 2017.

2011: First Tigers Pitcher Since Verlander

On September 20, 2013, Scherzer became the first major league pitcher of the season to reach 20 wins, making him the first Tigers pitcher to reach 20 wins since Justin Verlander in 2011

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

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

2012: Consistent Strikeouts

From 2012, Scherzer consistently struck out at least 230 batters each season, establishing himself as a dominant strikeout pitcher.

2012: AL Pennant

In 2012, the Detroit Tigers won the American League (AL) pennant, only to lose to the San Francisco Giants in the World Series.

2012: 2012 Postseason Performance

In the 2012 Postseason, Scherzer pitched successfully for the Tigers after they had won the AL Central division. He made three starts, going 1–0 with a 2.08 ERA, while striking out 26 batters over 171⁄3 innings. The Tigers reached the World Series. He started Game 4, yielded three earned runs in 61⁄3 innings while striking out eight batters, and received a no-decision.

June 28, 2013: Tigers Record Start

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.

July 3, 2013: MLB Record Start

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

2013: All-Star Game Selection and Start

In 2013, Scherzer was selected by player vote to represent the American League in the All-Star Game and was chosen as the AL's starting pitcher. He pitched a perfect inning, including striking out Joey Votto.

2013: AL Cy Young Award

In 2013, Scherzer won the American League Cy Young Award while playing for the Detroit Tigers.

2014: AL Central Title with Tigers

In 2014, Scherzer helped the Detroit Tigers win their fourth consecutive American League Central title.

June 14, 2015: Scherzer pitches a one-hit shutout

On June 14, 2015, Max Scherzer pitched his second career complete game, a one-hit shutout against the Milwaukee Brewers at Miller Park, winning 4-0. Scherzer recorded 16 strikeouts, setting a new personal best and a Nationals team record, and achieving a game score of 100.

October 3, 2015: Scherzer achieves his second no-hitter of the season

On October 3, 2015, Max Scherzer achieved his second career no-hitter and second of the season, versus the New York Mets, striking out a new career-high 17 batters with no walks. Scherzer tied Nolan Ryan for most strikeouts in a no-hitter, was the first no-hitter produced with at least 17 strikeouts and no walks, and became the sixth pitcher in MLB history to record multiple no-hitters in one season. Scherzer's game won the 2015 Esurance MLB Award for Best Performance.

2015: Multiple No-hitters

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

May 11, 2016: Tied Strikeout Record

On May 11, 2016, Scherzer tied the major league nine-inning single-game strikeout record with 20 against the Detroit Tigers, becoming the second player to achieve both a no-hitter and 20 strikeouts over nine innings. Scherzer also became the youngest pitcher to beat all 30 MLB teams on this day.

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 won two of the 2016 Esurance MLB/This Year in Baseball Awards: for Best Pitcher, and his 20-strikeout game won for Best Performance.

2017: 2,000 Career Strikeouts

In 2017, 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: NL Cy Young Award

In 2017, Scherzer won his second consecutive NL Cy Young Award with the Nationals.

2018: Finished second in Cy Young Award voting

During the 2018 season, Max Scherzer achieved an 18-7 record with a 2.53 ERA and finished second in Cy Young Award voting, behind Jacob deGrom.

2018: Selected as NL All-Star starting pitcher, reached 200 strikeouts for 7th consecutive season

In 2018, Max Scherzer was selected as the NL starting pitcher in the All-Star Game. On July 27, 2018, he reached his 200th regular season strikeout, marking his seventh consecutive season with 200 or more strikeouts, tying him with Walter Johnson and Roger Clemens.

2018: Graded as top pitcher by Sports Illustrated

In 2018, Sports Illustrated graded Max Scherzer as the top pitcher and fourth-best overall player in baseball, only behind Trout, Jose Altuve, and Kris Bryant.

2018: Consistent Starter

Through 2018, Scherzer consistently made at least 30 starts each season, showcasing his reliability as a starting pitcher.

2019: World Series Champion with the Nationals

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

2019: First Postseason Win Since 2019 World Series

In 2025, Max Scherzer secured his first postseason win since the 2019 World Series, making him the fourth pitcher aged 41 or older to achieve this feat.

2019: Won Game 1 and Started Game 7 of World Series

In the 2019 World Series, Scherzer earned a win in Game 1 against the Houston Astros and started Game 7, which the Nationals won, securing their first World Series championship. Scherzer received a no-decision in Game 7.

2019: Concluded season with 11-7 record, led in strikeouts/walks ratio

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, at 7.364, and Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP), at 2.45. He also led the NL in SO/9, at 12.7.

2019: Consistent Strikeouts

Through 2019, Scherzer consistently struck out at least 230 batters each season, establishing himself as a dominant strikeout pitcher.

September 12, 2021: Joined 3,000 Strikeout Club

On September 12, 2021, Scherzer joined the 3,000 strikeout club, a significant milestone in his career.

2021: Reached 3,000 strikeouts and achieved third immaculate inning

In a contest against the San Diego Padres on September 12, 2021, Max Scherzer became the 19th pitcher to reach 3,000 strikeouts and achieved his third immaculate inning, tying Sandy Koufax and Chris Sale. He finished the 2021 season leading 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, Max Scherzer was named to the All-MLB Second Team.

2022: Named to All-MLB Team

At the conclusion of the 2022 season, Scherzer, then playing for the Mets, was named to the All-MLB Team.

2023: Played during Postseason

In 2023, Max Scherzer started three postseason games, Games 3 and 7 of the ALCS, and Game 3 of the World Series, before being shut down again following back pain. The Rangers would eventually win their first World Series title.

2023: Elite Pitching Accomplishments

In 2023, 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 Champion with the Rangers

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

2023: Traded to the Rangers

Midway through the 2023 season, Scherzer was traded to the Texas Rangers, where he started Games 3 and 7 of the ALCS and Game 3 of the World Series, contributing to the Rangers winning their first championship.

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

On June 23, 2024, Max Scherzer made his season debut, tying him with Greg Maddux for eleventh place on MLB's all-time strikeout list with 3,371 strikeouts. Scherzer did not have a healthy 2024, ending his season early with a hamstring strain.