Max Scherzer

Max Scherzer is an American professional baseball pitcher. He is best known for playing for the Texas Rangers. He is famous for having a remarkable career in Major League Baseball (MLB), having played for several esteemed teams such as the Arizona Diamondbacks, Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Dodgers, and New York Mets. As a right-handed starting pitcher, Scherzer has earned accolades as an eight-time MLB All-Star, three-time Cy Young Award winner, and pitcher of two no-hitters. Notably, he played a pivotal role in the Washington Nationals' triumphant 2019 World Series victory. Throughout his journey, he achieved numerous milestones, including becoming the sixth pitcher in MLB history to record multiple no-hitters in a single season in 2015 and tying the major league nine-inning single-game strikeout record with 20 in 2016. He continued to shine as an essential player in both the American and National Leagues, demonstrating consistency and dominance on the field. With an unmatched average annual value baseball contract, Scherzer's earnings soared, surpassing $43 million per season. Renowned for his intensity and competitive spirit, he earned the moniker "Mad Max," inspired by the eponymous media franchise.  

Max Scherzer's Early Life and Family Support

Born as Maxwell Martin Scherzer on July 27, 1984, Max Scherzer is a 39-year-old baseball star hailing from Chesterfield, Missouri, United States. He shares a strong and close bond with his family, being the son of his father, Jan (Shirck), and his mother, Brad Scherzer. Max holds American nationality and has a mixed ethnicity, with German, Irish, English, and Scottish ancestry. Throughout his early life, he cherished moments with his younger brother, Alex Scherzer, who unfortunately passed away in 2012 by suicide, leaving a lasting impact on Max's life and career. Since Alex's death, Max Scherzer dedicates every start to his late brother. 

During his time at Parkway Central High School in his hometown, Max showcased his versatility by participating in baseball, football, and basketball. Although he may not have possessed natural talent, his fierce competitiveness set him apart and shaped his athletic journey. A significant influence on his high school sports experience was basketball coach Rick Kirby, who emphasized fundamentals and a defensive mindset. In the 2003 Major League Baseball (MLB) draft, Marty Maier, the Cardinals' scouting director, chose Max in the 43rd round (1,291st overall). However, he decided not to sign and opted to pursue higher education at the University of Missouri in Columbia. Early in his time at the University of Missouri, Scherzer's windup was so forceful that his cap constantly fell off due to his head whip. Coach Tony Vitello, who recruited him, convinced him to refine his pitching technique, achieve better balance, and cease leaping at hitters, which improved his accuracy. Taking a break during his freshman season to focus on workouts and long tosses, Scherzer gained velocity and honed his delivery. With dedicated training, he achieved an impressive 1.86 ERA and 131 strikeouts in 106 innings pitched over 16 games during his sophomore season, earning the Big 12 Pitcher of the Year Award in 2005. His outstanding college career was recognized with an induction into the University of Missouri Intercollegiate Athletics Hall of Fame on January 9, 2012.

Max Scherzer's Dazzling Baseball Career

• Following his freshman year at the University of Missouri in 2004, Max Scherzer's baseball journey took him to the La Crosse Loggers of the Northwoods League, where he impressed with a 1.91 ERA, six saves, and 50 strikeouts in just 33 innings pitched, earning a mid-season All-Star title. 
• The Arizona Diamondbacks then selected him with the 11th overall pick in the 2006 MLB draft, making him Missouri's first-ever first-round draft pick. 
• Despite initial contract negotiation challenges, Scherzer decided to begin his professional career with the Fort Worth Cats in the independent American Association. 
• He eventually signed a four-year, $4.3 million deal with the Diamondbacks and joined the Class A Advanced Visalia Oaks, showcasing his dominance with 8 strikeouts and one run allowed in his first start. 
• Scherzer's excellence continued as he moved up to the Double-A Mobile BayBears, culminating in a promotion to the major leagues on April 27, 2008, after a successful stint in Triple-A Tucson.
• In 2008, he made his highly anticipated MLB debut for the Arizona Diamondbacks against the Houston Astros, setting an impressive record of retiring 13 consecutive batters as a reliever, surpassing the previous mark of 12 set in 1962. 
• His debut appearance also saw him striking out seven batters in 4⅓ perfect innings, just one shy of the MLB record for a debut relief outing. 
• Despite a promising start, he experienced some ups and downs throughout the season, finishing with a 0-4 record, a 3.05 ERA, and 66 strikeouts in 56 innings pitched across 16 games. 
• During the same year, he also participated in the 2008 Arizona Fall League season as a member of the Phoenix Desert Dogs.
• In 2009, he transitioned to a full-time starter, assuming the fifth starter role in the rotation. He secured his first major league victory in a dominant 12-0 win against the Atlanta Braves on May 16, 2009, and followed it up with another win on May 26.
• That season, Scherzer made 30 starts, finishing with a 9-11 record, a 4.12 ERA, and an impressive 174 strikeouts in 170+1⁄3 innings pitched.
• In 2009, he was traded to the Detroit Tigers, where he blossomed into an ace alongside Justin Verlander, propelling the team to four consecutive AL Central division championships and a 2012 AL pennant. 
• In 2010, he showed promise with impressive strikeout performances but faced some ups and downs. The following year, Scherzer won six straight starts and finished with a 15-9 record. 
• In 2012, he achieved a career-high 16-7 record, surpassed 200 strikeouts for the first time, and performed exceptionally in the postseason. 
• In 2013, he had a phenomenal season, becoming the first Tigers pitcher to start a season 13-0, eventually finishing with a 21-3 record and earning his first AL Cy Young Award. 
• His brilliance continued into the postseason, where he excelled against the Oakland Athletics and Boston Red Sox. 
• In 2014, he posted an 18-5 record and made his second All-Star appearance. However, he experienced a loss in the ALDS against the Baltimore Orioles.
• In January 2015, he signed a seven-year, $210 million contract with the Washington Nationals, making him one of the highest-paid pitchers in MLB history. 
• In his debut season with the Nationals, he pitched exceptionally, recording two no-hitters and a career-best 276 strikeouts.
• Scherzer's dominant performances continued in 2016, as he won his second Cy Young Award and pitched a 20-strikeout game, becoming only the fifth pitcher to achieve both a 20-strikeout game and a no-hitter during his career. 
• In 2017, he won his third Cy Young Award and reached 2,000 career strikeouts. Scherzer maintained his excellence in 2018, recording 300 strikeouts, becoming one of only four pitchers to do so in a single season. 
• In 2019, he led the Nationals to their first World Series title, further solidifying his place as one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history. 
• Despite facing injuries and the challenges of the COVID-shortened 2020 season, Scherzer remained a formidable force on the mound and continued to be a highly respected figure in the baseball community.
• On July 30, 2021, Max Scherzer, along with Trea Turner, was traded from the Washington Nationals to the Los Angeles Dodgers in exchange for several players. 
• He made an impressive debut with the Dodgers, achieving 10 strikeouts and earning a win in his first game. Scherzer reached a significant milestone on September 12, becoming the 19th pitcher in history to record 3,000 strikeouts, and also tied the record for most immaculate innings in a career. 
• He continued his outstanding performance, earning NL Player of the Week honors and finishing the season with an impressive 15-4 record and leading in various pitching statistics. 
• He played a crucial role in the Dodgers' success in the playoffs, contributing to their win in the Wild Card Game and NLDS. After the season, Scherzer became a free agent.
• In December 2021, he signed a historic three-year, $130 million contract with the New York Mets, setting a new record for the largest average annual value in MLB history. 
• He continued to impress with the Mets, achieving milestones like his 3,155th strikeout and his 200th career win, helping the team secure their first playoff appearance in several years. However, in the Wild Card Series, Scherzer had a tough outing, and the Mets lost the series. 
• Despite this, he earned recognition, including being named to the All-MLB Second Team. In July 2023, the Mets traded Scherzer to the Texas Rangers along with $35.5 million in cash considerations for shortstop prospect Luisangel Acuña. As part of the deal, Scherzer opted into his 2024 player option worth more than $43 million. 

Max Scherzer Awards and Achievements

• 8× All-Star (2013–2019, 2021)
• World Series champion (2019)
• 2× All-MLB First Team (2019, 2021)
• All-MLB Second Team (2022)
• 3× Cy Young Award (2013, 2016, 2017)
• 4× wins leader (2013, 2014, 2016, 2018)
• 3× NL strikeout leader (2016–2018)
• Pitched two no-hitters in 2015 (June 20 and October 3)
• Most strikeouts in a 9-inning game (20, tied with Roger Clemens and Kerry Wood) (May 11, 2016)
• Most immaculate innings pitched (3, tied with Sandy Koufax and Chris Sale)

Max Scherzer's Impressive Net Worth and Salary

As of 2023, Max Scherzer, a highly successful baseball player, boasts an estimated net worth of $130 million. Currently, he is earning an annual income of over $12 million. In 2015, Scherzer signed a one-season contract worth $16 million, which was later extended for another six years at an astounding salary of approximately $30 million per year, making him the highest-paid baseball player globally. Prior to joining the Washington Nationals, he played for the Detroit Tigers under a contract worth $100 million for five years, with an annual salary of around $20 million. On December 1, 2021, Scherzer agreed to a groundbreaking three-year, $130 million contract with the New York Mets, featuring an average annual value (AAV) of $43.3 million, surpassing the previous record held by Gerrit Cole of the New York Yankees, whose AAV is $36 million. Subsequently, on July 29, 2023, he was traded to the Texas Rangers, receiving $35.5 million in cash considerations and opting into his 2024 player option worth more than $43 million as part of the deal. Max Scherzer's primary source of wealth stems from his illustrious baseball career, enabling him to lead a lavish lifestyle and find contentment in his remarkable earnings.

Meet Max Scherzer's Wife and Children

Max Scherzer is a happily married man, having tied the knot with his beautiful wife, Erica May, in November 2013 after dating for eight years. They first met at the University of Missouri, where both were pitchers at the time. Erica May played for the Mizzou softball team while Max was a baseball pitcher. The couple now has four daughters and a son named Brooklyn (born November 29, 2017), Kacey (born July 4, 2019), Nikki (born January 30, 2023), Derek (born May 2, 2021), and another Nikki (born January 30, 2023). They are leading a happy and fulfilling family life at present. The family-owned four rescue dogs and two cats as of 2017. 

Max Scherzer Eyes, Height & Weight

Max Scherzer, the handsome and athletic baseball player, stands tall at 6 ft 2¾ in (190 cm) and weighs 86 kg (189.5 lbs). With his light brown hair, striking heterochromia iridium that gifts him a blue right eye and a brown left eye, and the distinctive intensity and competitiveness he exhibits on the field, he's easily recognizable. Sporting a stylish stubble beard, Scherzer's overall healthy lifestyle includes moderate alcohol consumption, contributing to his well-maintained physique and robust health.