WASHINGTON — On this date five years ago, Max Scherzer put a Nationals uniform on for the first time. Now, Nats fans hope he'll spend the rest of his career in that same jersey. The 35-year-old with dual-colored eyes has accomplished so much since 2015, endearing him in the hearts and minds of D.C. sports fans forever.
Since signing with the Nats, Scherzer helped bring the franchise a World Series win, two Cy Young Awards, five All-Star appearances, one 20-strikeout game and one 300-strikeout season. He's one of only two Nationals players to hurl a no-hitter, and he's one of only six pitchers in MLB history to record two in the same season.
Known for his preparation and intensity on the mound, Scherzer is arguably one of the best moves the Nationals made to secure a World Series championship for its franchise.
Not only has his performance been dominating, but Scherzer brought maturity and experience to Washington's mound, rounding out a fierce starting rotation, which still includes Stephen Strasburg.
Scherzer also brought postseason experience to D.C., after pitching in the 2012 World Series with the Detroit Tigers, as well as pitching in two different ALCS series.
Mad Max did give Nats fans a scare in October when he missed his scheduled start in World Series Game 5 against the Houston Astros due to painful spasms in his neck and trapeius. But he rallied to start Game 7, ultimately contributing to the franchise's historic World Series win.
While he may not be a young man -- relative to the ages of players in Major League Baseball and some on the Nationals -- Scherzer has two more years on his 2015 contract that pays him $30 million annually.
The Nationals will bring back a variety of pitchers from last season, including ace starter Stephen Strasburg, signing him to a seven-year deal in December worth $245 million, or $35 million a season.
Washington is also bringing in pitching help to strengthen its bullpen, which was an issue at the beginning of the 2019 season.
Will Harris, the former Houston Astros relief pitcher, will join Washington on a three-year contract, according to MASN.
Harris's contract is worth $24 million and he will bring valued experience as one of the premier relief pitchers in Major League Baseball.