Over the entire history of MLB, fewer than 100 pitchers have struck out 2,000 batters in a career. Texas Rangers starter Jacob deGrom became the latest member of that elite club Thursday, hitting the milestone in the top of the first inning against the Washington Nationals.
DeGrom struck out Daylen Lile swinging to begin the game. He then struck out Abimelec Ortiz on five pitches, with a 92.6-mph slider sending the first baseman swinging to hit the milestone.
It marks a significant accomplishment for deGrom, who has been one of the most dominant pitchers in the game since his debut in 2013 with the New York Mets.
Despite never being listed as a top-100 prospect, deGrom exceeded all expectations early. As a rookie, he posted a 2.69 ERA over 140 1/3 innings, striking out 144 opposing batters. That performance was good enough to earn deGrom the National League Rookie of the Year award.
While deGrom continued to post excellent seasons with the Mets, he really took his game up a level in 2018. That season, deGrom led the majors with an astounding 1.70 ERA over 217 innings. His strikeout rate surged, pushing deGrom to his first-ever Cy Young award. He was similarly dominant in 2019, posting a 2.43 ERA over 204 innings and leading baseball with 255 strikeouts. That performance earned him back-to-back Cy Young awards.
During the COVID-19 season, deGrom again led the league in strikeouts, notching 104.
At that point, however, injuries started to take a toll on the young ace. deGrom was limited to just 26 starts over his final two years with the Mets. He continued to put up excellent numbers when on the field, but his durability was becoming a concern.
Those injuries came at a rough time for deGrom, who hit the free-agent market after the 2022 MLB season. Despite his missed time, deGrom was still able to sign a five-year, $185 million contract with the Rangers that offseason.
His start with the Rangers got off on the wrong foot, as deGrom underwent Tommy John surgery after just six starts with the team. That knocked out essentially his entire 2023 and 2024 seasons. deGrom was able to return in 2024, but only made three starts. He still showed strong ability on the mound in his brief time back.
With injuries a major question, deGrom experienced a resurgence in 2025, tossing 172 2/3 innings. It marked the first time since 2019 he exceeded 100 innings pitched in a single season. He finished the year with a 2.97 ERA and 185 strikeouts, making the All-Star team for the first time since 2021.
While deGrom has experienced minor issues in 2026, he entered Thursday’s start with a 3.95 ERA over 121 1/3 innings pitched.
With his milestone strikeout Thursday, deGrom sat 93rd on the list of career strikeout leaders. Eight other active players — including names like Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Gerrit Cole and Aaron Nola — sit above the 38-year-old deGrom on that list.
deGrom is under contract with the Rangers for at least one more season, giving him the ability to move up the all-time strikeout list next season … and maybe pass a few of his contemporaries on the way.
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