Max Scherzer Net Worth

What Is Max Scherzer's Net Worth and Salary?

Max Scherzer is an American professional baseball player who has a net worth of $180 million. Max Scherzer is one of the most accomplished and highest-paid pitchers of his generation, known for his durability, competitive fire, and pinpoint command. Over a career spanning nearly two decades, he established himself as one of Major League Baseball's elite aces, earning eight All-Star selections, three Cy Young Awards, and a World Series championship with the Washington Nationals in 2019. Scherzer's intense mound presence and unique delivery, coupled with his trademark two different colored eyes, made him one of the sport's most recognizable figures.

Drafted 11th overall by the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2006, Scherzer debuted in 2008 before being traded to the Detroit Tigers, where his career truly took off. With Detroit, he became a two-time All-Star and won his first Cy Young Award in 2013. After signing a seven-year, $210 million deal with the Washington Nationals in 2015, Scherzer cemented his Hall of Fame credentials, throwing two no-hitters in 2015 and leading the team to its first-ever World Series title in 2019.

Following stints with the Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Mets, Texas Rangers, and Toronto Blue Jays, Scherzer continued to defy age, regularly posting top-tier performances into his late 30s. Known for his fierce work ethic, cerebral approach, and strikeout dominance, he joined the 3,000-strikeout club in 2021 and finished his career among MLB's all-time leaders in strikeouts and wins. Scherzer's legacy rests not just on his numbers but on his reputation as one of baseball's fiercest competitors and most respected modern pitchers.

The three-year, $130 million contract Max signed with the Mets in November 2021 set the record for the largest annual average salary at $43.3 million per year. In February 2025, he signed a $15.5 million, one-year contract with the Toronto Blue Jays. More info on his contracts and earnings in the next section below.

Contracts, Salaries & Career Earnings

Max Scherzer entered Major League Baseball in 2008 with the Arizona Diamondbacks, beginning a career that would eventually make him one of the highest-paid pitchers of all time. After two seasons in Arizona, he was traded to the Detroit Tigers, where his performance and rising dominance led to his first major payday. Scherzer earned roughly $6.7 million in 2013, his first All-Star season, and after winning the Cy Young Award that year, he turned down a $144 million extension from Detroit—a gamble that would pay off handsomely.

In January 2015, Scherzer signed a landmark seven-year, $210 million contract with the Washington Nationals, one of the largest deals ever given to a pitcher at the time. The contract was structured with heavy deferrals: $105 million paid during the first four seasons and $105 million spread out in $15 million annual installments from 2022 through 2028. During his Nationals tenure, Scherzer earned every penny of that investment, winning two Cy Young Awards, throwing two no-hitters, and helping lead Washington to a World Series title in 2019.

After being traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2021, Scherzer hit free agency again and signed an unprecedented three-year, $130 million deal with the New York Mets. The contract, which averaged $43.3 million per season, made him the highest-paid player in baseball by annual salary. Following a midseason trade to the Texas Rangers in 2023, he continued earning at that level while contributing to the Rangers' first-ever World Series championship.

By 2025, Scherzer had signed with the Toronto Blue Jays, earning a reported $15.5 million for the season—on top of the $15 million in deferred money he continues to receive annually from his Nationals deal. Over the course of his career, Scherzer's total on-field earnings exceed $370 million, with another $45 million still owed in deferred payments through 2028. His contracts reflect not only elite performance but also financial foresight, making him one of the most successful and strategically compensated athletes in baseball history.

Early Life and Collegiate Career

Maxwell Martin Scherzer was born on July 27, 1984, in Chesterfield, Missouri. He is the son of Brad and Jan Scherzer. He had a younger brother named Alex, who died by suicide in 2012. Scherzer grew up loving baseball and was a fan of the St. Louis Cardinals. As a teen, he went to Parkway Central High School, where he played baseball, basketball, and football. The Cardinals' scouting director at the time, Marty Maier, was so impressed with Max's playing that he selected him in the 43rd round of the 2003 MLB draft. However, Scherzer declined and chose to attend the University of Missouri.

At Missouri, Max honed his skills under the direction of coaches Tony Vitello and Tim Jamieson. In his sophomore year, he posted a 1.86 ERA and 131 strikeouts over 16 games. Later, in 2005, Scherzer won the Big 12 Pitcher of the Year Award.

Arizona Diamondbacks

In the 2006 MLB draft, Scherzer was selected in the first round with the 11th overall pick by the Arizona Diamondbacks. He began playing in the organization the following year with the Single-A Visalia Oaks and was shortly after promoted to the Double-A Mobile BayBears. Following his strong start with the Triple-A Tucson in 2008, Max was finally called up to the Diamondbacks. Scherzer made his MLB debut with the team in April 2008 in a game against the Houston Astros; immediately proving his ability, he threw 4 ⅓ perfect innings and posted seven strikeouts. In 2009, Scherzer became a full-time starter and notched his first MLB victory with a 12-0 win over the Atlanta Braves.

Detroit Tigers

Scherzer was traded to the Detroit Tigers in December 2009. With the team, he gradually grew into a top player and became part of a powerful starting duo with fellow right-hander Justin Verlander. Following strong seasons in 2010 and 2011, he had his best year yet in 2012 when he surpassed the 200-strikeout mark and recorded his personal best winning percentage. The Tigers went on to win the AL Central division and then to face off against the San Francisco Giants in the World Series, which the Giants ultimately won. Max had an even stronger season in 2013, becoming the first Tigers pitcher ever to begin a season 12-0. Moreover, he recorded his 1,000th career strikeout and finished the regular season with an incredible 21-3 win record. In recognition of his achievements, Scherzer won his first Cy Young Award. He continued his success in the ALDS and then in the ALCS, although the eventual World Series champion, the Boston Red Sox, ultimately won the latter. Max had another historic season with the Tigers in 2014, when he recorded his first shutout in a 4-0 win over the Chicago White Sox. He finished the season with a 3.19 ERA, as well as a career-best strikeout total of 252.

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Washington Nationals

In January 2015, Scherzer signed a seven-year, $210 million contract with the Washington Nationals, one of the largest in sports history at that time. His first season with the team was historic, as he became only the sixth pitcher ever in the MLB to record multiple no-hitters in a single season. In May 2016, Max tied the major league single-game strikeout record with 20. As a result, Scherzer won the NL Cy Young Award, a feat he repeated in 2017. The next season, he recorded 300 strikeouts and threw more pitches than any other MLB pitcher, with 3,493.

The 2019 season was another historic one for Scherzer, as he recorded his 2,500th career strikeout and was named to his seventh consecutive All-Star Game. Moreover, the Nationals beat the Milwaukee Brewers in the NL Wild Card Game, advancing to the NLDS, where they emerged victorious over the Dodgers. In the subsequent NLCS, Max and the Nationals took down the St. Louis Cardinals and advanced to the World Series against the Houston Astros. With the Series tied 3-3, Scherzer started the decisive Game 7, giving up two runs over five innings. Eventually, the Nationals came back to win the World Series, their first in franchise history.

Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets

Scherzer was traded to the Los Angeles Dodgers in July 2021. That September, he became the 19th pitcher to reach 3,000 strikeouts and had a perfect game against the San Diego Padres for eight innings. Max finished the season with a 15-4 record and advanced with the Dodgers to the NLDS. After defeating the San Francisco Giants, they proceeded to the NLCS, where they fell to the eventual World Series champ, the Atlanta Braves.

In December 2021, Scherzer signed a three-year, $130 million contract with the New York Mets. The average annual value of the contract, $43.3 million, is the largest in MLB history.

Texas Rangers and Toronto Blue Jays

In July 2023, Scherzer was traded from the Mets to the Texas Rangers in exchange for top prospect Luisangel Acuña. Despite battling injuries, he remained effective and helped solidify the Rangers' rotation for their postseason run. Though a back strain limited his World Series availability, Scherzer contributed valuable innings during the team's playoff push, and the Rangers went on to capture the first World Series title in franchise history.

Following the 2024 season, Scherzer signed a short-term deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. In 2025, he continued to add to his Hall of Fame résumé while earning a reported $15.5 million in salary, plus $15 million in deferred payments from his earlier Nationals contract. Even in his late thirties, Scherzer's competitive intensity and elite command kept him among baseball's most respected veterans. Over the course of his career, he became one of the most durable and financially successful pitchers in MLB history, combining on-field dominance with some of the most strategically structured contracts ever negotiated.

Personal Life

While at the University of Missouri, Scherzer met Erica May, who was a pitcher on the Mizzou softball team. The two dated for over eight years and got married in 2013. Together, they have two daughters named Brooklyn and Kacey and a son named Derek. The family lives in the McLean community in Northern Virginia; they also have a home in Jupiter, Florida.

Due to heterochromia iridum, Max's eyes are two different colors: his right eye is blue, while his left eye is brown.

Real Estate

In 2015, just after he signed a 7-year, $210 million contract with the Nationals, Max paid $5.2 million for a home along the Potomac River in McLean, Virginia. He proceeded to perform a major renovation, expanding the home from 7,100 square feet to 8,200 square feet. He sold this home in November 2021 for $15 million.

In June 2020, Max paid $9.75 million for a waterfront mansion in Jupiter, Florida. In 2023, he paid $14.875 million for the home next door.

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