The Texas Rangers’ Jacob deGrom just made history, becoming the fastest pitcher ever to reach 1,800 strikeouts by two different measures.
deGrom hit the milestone in 1,492 innings, breaking Chris Sale’s previous record of 1,498 innings. He also got there in his 240th game, three games faster than Randy Johnson’s old mark of 243 games.
Not a bad day’s work for a guy who many thought might be done just a couple years ago.
The 37-year-old right-hander got knocked around a bit by the Mariners after reaching the milestone, but that’s beside the point. What matters is that deGrom’s truly back to being an ace after years of injury concerns.
It’s been quite the journey for the former Stetson shortstop. He transformed into baseball’s best pitcher during his peak Mets years in the late 2010s, winning two Cy Young awards and striking fear into opposing lineups.
Then everything went sideways. deGrom missed more than half the season in both 2021 and 2022, ending his New York tenure on a frustrating note. The Rangers took a calculated risk signing him, and it’s paying off.
His first two seasons in Texas were more of the same injury struggles – six starts in 2023, three in 2024. But this year’s been different. deGrom’s already made more starts than he has since 2019, he’s sporting an ERA under 3.00, and he earned an All-Star selection.
The 6-foot-4 veteran is still throwing fastballs at 99 mph and sliders at 93. He’s striking out hitters at the same rate he did a decade ago, which frankly seems impossible at his age.
That’s what makes this record special. It’s not just about the numbers – though breaking marks held by Sale and Johnson isn’t exactly small potatoes. It’s about a pitcher who looked finished proving he’s still got elite stuff.
Baseball’s better when deGrom’s healthy and dealing. He might be a long way removed from those Cy Young seasons, but don’t tell him that.
