Jacob DeGrom is fastest to 1,800 career strikeouts in MLB history

He’s the fasted to 1,800 strikeouts in games (240), innings pitched (1,493 1/3).

SEATTLE — Texas Rangers right-hander Jacob deGrom made history on Sunday by becoming the quickest pitcher to reach 1,800 career strikeouts in both games and innings.

Facing the Seattle Mariners, deGrom achieved this milestone in the second inning when he struck out Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford with a blazing 98.7 mph four-seam fastball, marking his fourth strikeout of the game. With this feat, deGrom cemented his place as the fastest pitcher to reach 1,800 career strikeouts in games (240) and innings pitched (1,493 1/3).

The 37-year-old right-hander surpassed the previous records set by left-handers Randy Johnson and Chris Sale. Hall-of-Famer Randy Johnson achieved 1,800 strikeouts in 243 games, while it took Chris Sale 1,498 innings to reach the same milestone.

Despite his historic achievement, deGrom’s performance in the game against the Mariners was mixed. He pitched five innings, tallying five strikeouts and three walks while giving up four hits, including three home runs, and five earned runs.

This game marked the first time since September 30, 2022, that deGrom allowed three home runs in a single game, a rare occurrence for the seasoned pitcher.

DeGrom, a decorated five-time All-Star and two-time Cy Young Award winner, signed a lucrative five-year, $185 million contract with the Texas Rangers prior to the 2023 season. His career has been marred by injuries, limiting him to just nine starts over the past two seasons.

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