Max Scherzer is an American professional baseball pitcher, widely regarded as one of the greatest pitchers in MLB history. Born on July 27, 1984, in Chesterfield, Missouri, Scherzer has been an 8-time MLB All-Star, a 3-time Cy Young Award winner, and a 2-time World Series champion. Over his illustrious career, he has played for teams like the Arizona Diamondbacks, Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Texas Rangers, and most recently, the Toronto Blue Jays.
In 2025, Scherzer made headlines by signing a 1-year, $15.5 million contract with the Toronto Blue Jays, marking yet another chapter in his legendary career.
In this article, we will cover Max Scherzer’s age, height, career stats, net worth, family, personal life, lesser-known facts, and FAQs.
Max Scherzer Short Details
| Full Name | Maxwell Martin Scherzer |
|---|---|
| Nicknames | “Mad Max” |
| Profession | Professional Baseball Pitcher |
| Current Team | Toronto Blue Jays (2025) |
| Nationality | American |
| Date of Birth | July 27, 1984 |
| Age (as of 2025) | 40 years old |
| Birthplace | Chesterfield, Missouri, USA |
| Height | 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m) |
| Weight | 208 lbs (94 kg) |
| Bats / Throws | Right / Right |
| MLB Debut | April 29, 2008 (Arizona Diamondbacks) |
| Notable Achievements | 3× Cy Young Award winner, 2× World Series champion, 8× All-Star |
| Marital Status | Married |
| Spouse | Erica May Scherzer |
| Children | 4 (Three daughters, one son) |
Early Life and College Career
Early Life and High School
Max Scherzer was born and raised in Chesterfield, Missouri, and was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals growing up. He attended Parkway Central High School, where he played baseball, basketball, and football. His competitiveness and aggressive playing style earned him early recognition.
College at the University of Missouri
Instead of signing with the St. Louis Cardinals, who drafted him in the 43rd round of the 2003 MLB Draft, Scherzer chose to attend the University of Missouri.
- He developed his fastball and improved his pitching mechanics, eventually earning Big 12 Pitcher of the Year (2005).
- His standout performances made him a first-round pick in the 2006 MLB Draft.
Professional Career
Draft and Minor Leagues
- Scherzer was drafted 11th overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2006.
- He started his career in minor league baseball, where his aggressive playing style earned him the nickname “Mad Max.”
- He made his MLB debut on April 29, 2008, striking out seven batters in relief.
MLB Career Timeline
Arizona Diamondbacks (2008–2009)
- Made his MLB debut in 2008 and impressed with his high strikeout rate.
- Became a full-time starter in 2009, finishing with 9 wins and 174 strikeouts.
Detroit Tigers (2010–2014)
- Traded to the Detroit Tigers in 2009.
- 2013 AL Cy Young Award Winner (led the league with 21 wins).
- Helped the Tigers reach the 2012 World Series.
- Led the AL in strikeouts in 2013 and won his first Cy Young Award.
Washington Nationals (2015–2021)
- Signed a 7-year, $210 million contract with the Nationals in 2015.
- Threw two no-hitters in 2015 (one against the Pirates, another against the Mets).
- 2016 & 2017 NL Cy Young Award Winner.
- Struck out 20 batters in one game in 2016, tying an MLB record.
- Helped the Nationals win the 2019 World Series, securing his first championship.
Los Angeles Dodgers (2021)
- Traded to the Dodgers in 2021, helping them reach the NLCS.
- Recorded his 3,000th career strikeout on September 12, 2021.
New York Mets (2022–2023)
- Signed a 3-year, $130 million contract, making him the highest-paid player per year.
- Helped the Mets to a playoff appearance in 2022.
Texas Rangers (2023–2024)
- Traded to the Texas Rangers in 2023.
- Helped the Rangers win the 2023 World Series, becoming a 2-time World Series champion.
- Missed most of 2024 due to injuries (back strain, herniated disc, and shoulder issues).
Toronto Blue Jays (2025)
- Signed a 1-year, $15.5 million deal with the Toronto Blue Jays in January 2025.
Max Scherzer’s Career Stats (As of 2024)
| Stat | Value |
|---|---|
| Win–Loss Record | 216–112 |
| Earned Run Average (ERA) | 3.16 |
| Strikeouts | 3,407 |
| WHIP | 1.10 |
| All-Star Appearances | 8 (2013–2019, 2021) |
| World Series Titles | 2 (2019, 2023) |
| Cy Young Awards | 3 (2013, 2016, 2017) |
| No-Hitters | 2 (2015) |
Max Scherzer’s Net Worth and Salary
Max Scherzer has earned significant wealth from his long career in Major League Baseball.
| Source of Income | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth (2025) | $150 million |
| Current Contract | 1-year, $15.5 million (Toronto Blue Jays) |
| Largest Contract | 7-year, $210 million (Nationals, 2015) |
| Endorsements | Nike, Rawlings, Wilson Sporting Goods |
Personal Life
Family and Wife
- Married to Erica May Scherzer since 2013.
- They have four children (three daughters, one son).
- Erica was a former college softball pitcher at Missouri.
Heterochromia
- Scherzer has different-colored eyes (heterochromia iridum):
- Right eye – Blue
- Left eye – Brown
- His unique eyes have become a signature look, even being featured on bobbleheads.
Philanthropy
- Supports the Humane Rescue Alliance for animal adoption.
- Advocates for anti-human trafficking efforts.
Lesser-Known Facts About Max Scherzer
- His nickname “Mad Max” comes from his intense focus on the mound.
- He was once a basketball player in high school.
- He is one of only four pitchers to win multiple Cy Young Awards, multiple no-hitters, and multiple World Series titles.
- Scherzer’s brother, Alex, passed away in 2012, and he dedicates every start to him.
- He is one of only five pitchers to record 100+ career double-digit strikeout games.
- He is obsessed with analytics and studies advanced baseball statistics.
- He has played for seven MLB teams.
FAQs About Max Scherzer
1. How old is Max Scherzer?
He is 40 years old (born July 27, 1984).
2. Who is Max Scherzer’s wife?
He is married to Erica May Scherzer, a former college softball pitcher.
3. How many Cy Young Awards has Scherzer won?
He has won three (2013, 2016, 2017).
4. What is his net worth?
Estimated at $150 million.
5. What is his latest team?
He signed with the Toronto Blue Jays (2025).
Conclusion
Max Scherzer is undoubtedly one of the greatest pitchers in Major League Baseball history. With an illustrious career spanning over 15 years, Scherzer has achieved three Cy Young Awards, two World Series championships, eight All-Star appearances, and multiple no-hitters. His dominance on the mound, combined with his intense work ethic and passion for the game, has made him a legendary figure in baseball.
Even at 40 years old, Scherzer continues to showcase his talent and competitive spirit, now signing with the Toronto Blue Jays in 2025. Despite dealing with injuries in recent seasons, he remains a force to be reckoned with and a valuable addition to any pitching rotation.
Off the field, Scherzer is known for his charitable work, strong family values, and love for animals, making him not just a great athlete but also an inspiring personality. His story of hard work, resilience, and success continues to motivate young athletes worldwide.
With over 3,400 career strikeouts, numerous accolades, and a fierce determination, Max Scherzer’s legacy as one of baseball’s all-time greats is firmly cemented. Fans eagerly await his performance with the Blue Jays in the 2025 season as he looks to add another chapter to his legendary career.
This article is based on publicly available information and is intended for informational purposes only. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and up-to-date details, readers are encouraged to verify facts independently.
