Clayton Kershaw has achieved what only 19 pitchers in MLB history have managed, and now him: reaching 3,000 strikeouts. With this milestone, experts in the game, fellow players, and fans alike are now asking-who will be the next to hit that remarkable number?
At this moment, there are only three active players in MLB with over 3,000 strikeouts: Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, and now Kershaw. The chances of another pitcher joining this exclusive group anytime soon seem slim. While several pitchers boast strong numbers, most are still quite far from the mark.
Pitchers who could reach the 3,000 club
- Chris Sale (Atlanta Braves) – 2,528 strikeouts
At 36 years old, Sale recently suffered a rib injury during a game against the New York Mets on June 21 and was placed on the 60-day injured list. He is expected to return in mid-August. The current National League Cy Young winner had been one of the league’s top pitchers with 114 strikeouts in 89 innings. Staying healthy has been his biggest challenge.
Sale would need at least 60 more starts to reach the 3,000 mark. If he avoids further setbacks, he could 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 entire 2025 season after undergoing reconstructive elbow surgery in March. He is expected to return in September, in time for the 2026 season. Justin Verlander went through a similar process and still managed to hit 3,000, so the possibility remains alive for Cole.
If he maintains his current strikeout rate, Cole would need 106 more starts, putting him on pace to join the 3,000 club by 2029.
- Charlie Morton (Baltimore Orioles) – 2,124 strikeouts
At 41, it’s becoming increasingly unlikely Morton will reach 3,000. However, if he continues averaging close to 193 strikeouts per season, he could achieve it at 45. That seems improbable, but not entirely out of reach.
- Yu Darvish (San Diego Padres) – 2,007 strikeouts
His presence on this list is surprising to some, but Darvish has the talent to get there. He hasn’t pitched this season due to elbow inflammation sustained in spring. Starting his professional career in Japan, combined with his age-39-makes the road tougher. Still, it’s worth noting he led MLB in strikeouts in 2013 with 277.
Pitchers further away, but with long-term potential
- Aaron Nola (Philadelphia Phillies) – 1,671 strikeouts
At 32, Nola is about halfway there. His current production and potential suggest it’s within reach. He’s on the 60-day injured list for now, but if he stays healthy, there’s a real chance.
- Robbie Ray (San Francisco Giants) – 1,658 strikeouts
Ray holds the third-highest strikeout rate in MLB history among pitchers with at least 1,000 innings-behind only Sale and Blake Snell. At 33, he has time, though injuries over the last two seasons may hinder his progress.
The 3,000 strikeout club remains one of MLB’s most exclusive. But with consistency and durability, a few more names may join its ranks in the years ahead.
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