Max Scherzer got his sixth start of the season on Wednesday in the Toronto Blue Jays’ game against the Philadelphia Phillies. Early in the contest, the 19-year veteran accomplished a rare feat in MLB history, putting him amongst some of the best pitchers of all time.
The 41-year-old right-hander finally recorded the 3,500th strikeout of his career. MLB gave Scherzer a shoutout on social media, welcoming him to the prestigious 3,500 club.
MAD MAX
Welcome to the 3,500 strikeout club, Max Scherzer
https://t.co/jNNdqUgCY9 pic.twitter.com/hsJYtTfXZc
— MLB (@MLB) June 10, 2026
Scherzer becomes just the 11th player ever to reach 3,500 strikeouts in a career, according to MLB insider Sarah Langs and confirmed by Elias Sports Bureau. Based on the rankings, the eight-time All-Star could get into the Top 10 at some point in the 2026 season.
“Most strikeouts all-time,” said Langs.
1. Nolan Ryan: 5,714
2. Randy Johnson: 4,875
3. Roger Clemens: 4,672
4. Steve Carlton: 4,136
5. Bert Blyleven: 3,701
6. Tom Seaver: 3,640
7. Don Sutton: 3,574
8. Justin Verlander: 3,554
9. Gaylord Perry: 3,534
10. Walter Johnson: 3,515
11. Max Scherzer: 3,500 & counting”
It’s been a historic career for Scherzer, as he’s bound to go to the Hall of Fame once he eventually retires from baseball. Not only has he surpassed 3,500 career strikeouts, but he’s also won the Cy Young Award on three seperate occasions, while winning two World Series rings of his own. One with the Washington Nationals (2019), and one with the Texas Rangers (2023).
Max Scherzer signed a one-year, $3 million contract with the Blue Jays in the offseason to return for at least one more year after playing for the club in 2025. While Wednesday’s accomplishment is amazing, it’s been a difficult campaign for Scherzer so far. He entered the game against the Phillies with a 9.64 ERA and 1.607 WHIP with 10 strikeouts.
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