Clayton Kershaw has achieved what solely 19 pitchers in MLB historical past have managed, and now him: reaching 3,000 strikeouts. With this milestone, specialists within the sport, fellow gamers, and followers alike at the moment are asking-who would be the subsequent to hit that exceptional quantity?
Shohei Ohtani distances himself from the Dodgers in a transfer that followers really feel too relatable
At this second, there are solely three lively gamers in MLB with over 3,000 strikeouts: Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, and now Kershaw. The probabilities of one other pitcher becoming a member of this unique group anytime quickly appear slim. Whereas a number of pitchers boast robust numbers, most are nonetheless fairly removed from the mark.
Pitchers who might attain the three,000 membership
- Chris Sale (Atlanta Braves) – 2,528 strikeouts
At 36 years previous, Sale not too long ago suffered a rib damage throughout a sport towards the New York Mets on June 21 and was positioned on the 60-day injured listing. He’s anticipated to return in mid-August. The present Nationwide League Cy Younger winner had been one of many league’s prime pitchers with 114 strikeouts in 89 innings. Staying wholesome has been his greatest problem.
Sale would wish at the very least 60 extra begins to achieve the three,000 mark. If he avoids additional setbacks, he might realistically hit the milestone by 2027 at age 38.
- Gerrit Cole (New York Yankees) – 2,251 strikeouts
The 34-year-old is out for the whole 2025 season after present process reconstructive elbow surgical procedure in March. He’s anticipated to return in September, in time for the 2026 season. Justin Verlander went by means of an identical course of and nonetheless managed to hit 3,000, so the likelihood stays alive for Cole.
If he maintains his present strikeout fee, Cole would wish 106 extra begins, placing him on tempo to hitch the 3,000 membership by 2029.
- Charlie Morton (Baltimore Orioles) – 2,124 strikeouts
At 41, it is turning into more and more unlikely Morton will attain 3,000. Nevertheless, if he continues averaging near 193 strikeouts per season, he might obtain it at 45. That appears inconceivable, however not completely out of attain.
- Yu Darvish (San Diego Padres) – 2,007 strikeouts
His presence on this listing is shocking to some, however Darvish has the expertise to get there. He hasn’t pitched this season on account of elbow irritation sustained in spring. Beginning his skilled profession in Japan, mixed along with his age-39-makes the street more durable. Nonetheless, it is price noting he led MLB in strikeouts in 2013 with 277.
Pitchers additional away, however with long-term potential
- Aaron Nola (Philadelphia Phillies) – 1,671 strikeouts
At 32, Nola is about midway there. His present manufacturing and potential recommend it is inside attain. He is on the 60-day injured listing for now, but when he stays wholesome, there’s an actual probability.
- Robbie Ray (San Francisco Giants) – 1,658 strikeouts
Ray holds the third-highest strikeout fee in MLB historical past amongst pitchers with at the very least 1,000 innings-behind solely Sale and Blake Snell. At 33, he has time, although accidents during the last two seasons could hinder his progress.
The 3,000 strikeout membership stays considered one of MLB’s most unique. However with consistency and sturdiness, just a few extra names could be part of its ranks within the years forward.
