As we gear up for the 2026 MLB season, all eyes are on Texas Rangers ace Jacob deGrom as he closes in on a monumental career milestone: 2,000 strikeouts. With 1,851 strikeouts already under his belt, deGrom is just 149 away from joining an elite club of pitchers who have reached this prestigious mark.
DeGrom's 2025 season was a testament to his enduring talent and resilience. He racked up 185 strikeouts over 172 2/3 innings, maintaining a solid 2.97 ERA and a 12-8 record. Perhaps most importantly, it was his healthiest season in recent memory, a crucial factor for a player whose career has been punctuated by injuries.
Durability is the name of the game for deGrom. Since his last 30-start season in 2019, when he clinched his second consecutive Cy Young Award, staying on the mound consistently has been a challenge. Yet, whenever he pitches, his effectiveness is undeniable.
Even if he doesn't quite reach the overpowering heights of his Cy Young peak, deGrom remains a formidable presence on the mound. His command, diverse pitch arsenal, and knack for striking out batters keep him among the league’s best.
For the Rangers, having deGrom take the ball every fifth day could be transformative. Not only would it bolster their rotation, but it would also solidify his legacy in the annals of baseball history.
Joining the 2,000-strikeout club would place deGrom alongside legends like Justin Verlander, Nolan Ryan, Clayton Kershaw, Max Scherzer, Sandy Koufax, Randy Johnson, and Pedro Martínez. Gerrit Cole was the most recent pitcher to reach this milestone in 2023, highlighting the rarity and prestige of the achievement.
Only 89 pitchers in MLB history have reached 2,000 strikeouts, a testament to both longevity and dominance. DeGrom’s strikeout rate suggests he’s on track to hit this milestone in fewer innings than most, underscoring his efficiency and dominance on the mound.
Ultimately, deGrom's journey to 2,000 strikeouts will depend on his health. If he can maintain his 2025 form and stay on the field, this milestone could be within reach during the 2026 season, adding another remarkable chapter to his storied career.