Max Scherzer signed one of the most uniquely structured deals in MLB history when he agreed to terms with the Washington Nationals on January 21, 2015. The right-hander committed to 7 years and $210 million guaranteed — a contract that became a reference point not because of its size, but because of how the money is actually paid out: half of it comes after he was done playing for Washington.
The Contract at a Glance
- Team: Washington Nationals
- Signed: January 21, 2015
- Length: 7 years (2015–2021)
- Total guaranteed value: $210 million
- Average annual value: $30 million
- Signing bonus: $50 million
- No-trade clause: Yes
How the Deal Is Structured
The contract is built in two layers. Scherzer received a $50 million signing bonus up front, with the remaining money spread across the seven contract years in annual installments. That works out to an average of $30 million per season.
The unusual part: $105 million of the $210 million is deferred. Scherzer collects $15 million per year over 14 years — from 2015 through 2028 — meaning Washington is still cutting him checks seven years after his contract expired. The deal also included a full no-trade clause, giving him the right to block any trade.
The Fine Print
Those deferrals are the contract’s defining feature. While the headline number is $210 million, Baseball Reference values the deal at $191,401,086 in present-day dollars once the time value of future payments is factored in.
Unlike some famous deferred contracts that became cautionary tales, this one delivered on the field: Scherzer won two Cy Young Awards in Washington and was a cornerstone of the 2019 World Series championship.
Where Scherzer Ranks Historically
- #32 — Largest contracts in MLB history (by total guaranteed value)
- #8 — Among pitchers only
- #4 — Most career earnings in MLB history
Rankings based on total guaranteed value without present-value discounting. Data from Spotrac and Baseball Reference as of August 11, 2026.
Before Washington
Prior to signing with the Nationals, Scherzer spent time with the Detroit Tigers. In his final year in Detroit (2014), he earned $15.5 million through arbitration — the springboard that led to his mega-deal in Washington.
Career Earnings
- Total MLB salary earnings through 2026: $363 million
- Total guaranteed money across all contracts: $226 million
Career earnings include base salary, signing bonuses, and earned bonuses from MLB contracts only. Endorsements and non-MLB income are not included.
Why This Contract Still Gets Talked About
It’s the go-to example of a contract where the headline figure doesn’t tell the full story. The $210 million is paid out over 14 years in $15 million annual installments through 2028 — long after Scherzer’s playing days in Washington ended. But unlike other high-profile deferred deals that backfired, this one worked out for both sides: two Cy Youngs, one World Series title, and a legacy that made every dollar worth it.
