Jacob deGrom hits 2,000th career strikeout early in Rangers start vs. Nationals

Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom achieved his 2,000th career strikeout in the top of the first inning against the Washington Nationals, joining an elite group of under 100 pitchers in MLB history. He dispatched Abimelec Ortiz on five pitches, following a strikeout of Daylen Lile earlier in the frame. The milestone builds on deGrom's career highlights, which feature Rookie of the Year honors, back-to-back Cy Young awards in 2018 and 2019, and a recent resurgence after Tommy John surgery sidelined him for most of 2023-2024.

After a strong 2025 season with 185 strikeouts and an All-Star nod, he entered 2026 with a 3.95 ERA and now sits 93rd on the career strikeout leaderboard, trailing contemporaries such as Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Gerrit Cole and Aaron Nola. He remains under contract with the Rangers for at least another season, giving him the opportunity to climb further up the all-time list.