The MLB 3,000 strikeout club
20 MLB players have reached 3,000 career strikeouts; Nolan Ryan leads with 5,714. Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer are still active. The closest active player outside the club is Chris Sale, 2,779, 221 short.
Every member, by career strikeouts
| # | Player | Strikeouts | Seasons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Nolan RyanHOF | 5,714 | 1966–1993 |
| 2 | Randy JohnsonHOF | 4,875 | 1988–2009 |
| 3 | Roger Clemens | 4,672 | 1984–2007 |
| 4 | Steve CarltonHOF | 4,136 | 1965–1988 |
| 5 | Bert BlylevenHOF | 3,701 | 1970–1992 |
| 6 | Tom SeaverHOF | 3,640 | 1967–1986 |
| 7 | Don SuttonHOF | 3,574 | 1966–1988 |
| 8 | Justin VerlanderactiveDET | 3,560 | 2005–2026 |
| 9 | Max ScherzeractiveTOR | 3,557 | 2008–2026 |
| 10 | Gaylord PerryHOF | 3,534 | 1962–1983 |
| 11 | Walter JohnsonHOF | 3,509 | 1907–1927 |
| 12 | Greg MadduxHOF | 3,371 | 1986–2008 |
| 13 | Phil NiekroHOF | 3,342 | 1964–1987 |
| 14 | Fergie Jenkins | 3,192 | 1965–1983 |
| 15 | Pedro MartinezHOF | 3,154 | 1992–2009 |
| 16 | Bob GibsonHOF | 3,117 | 1959–1975 |
| 17 | Curt Schilling | 3,116 | 1988–2007 |
| 18 | CC SabathiaHOF | 3,093 | 2001–2019 |
| 19 | John SmoltzHOF | 3,084 | 1988–2009 |
| 20 | Clayton Kershaw | 3,052 | 2008–2025 |
Closest active players
| Player | Strikeouts | To go |
|---|---|---|
| Chris SaleactiveATL | 2,779 | 221 |
| Gerrit ColeactiveNYY | 2,382 | 618 |
| Kevin GausmanactiveCHC | 2,138 | 862 |
| Sonny GrayactiveBOS | 2,074 | 926 |
| Aaron NolaactivePHI | 2,053 | 947 |
| Jacob deGromactiveTEX | 2,052 | 948 |
| Zack WheeleractivePHI | 2,013 | 987 |
| Robbie RayactiveSD | 1,874 | 1,126 |
| Jose QuintanaactiveCOL | 1,841 | 1,159 |
Regular season only. Career totals as the league’s records list them; HOF marks a member of the Hall of Fame as a player.