Clayton Kershaw, one step away from 3,000 strikeouts

Kansas City – Mound legend, Clayton Kershaw, is just three strikeouts away from reaching one of the most exclusive marks in Major League history: 3,000 strikeouts. With 2,997 strikeouts in his history, the stellar pitcher of the Los Angeles Dodgers could reach the figure this Wednesday at Dodger Stadium, facing the White Sox, in what will be his 441st game in MLB (338 as a starter).

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Kershaw, who has dedicated his 18-year career to the same team, is poised to become only the 20th pitcher in history of Major League Baseball to reach 3,000 strikeouts, and only the fourth left-hander to do so, joining CC Sabathia, Randy Johnson and Steve Carlton. In addition, he would be only the third to achieve it with a single franchise, alongside legends such as Walter Johnson (Senators) and Bob Gibson (Cardinals).

“I think Kershaw embodies what it means to ‘adapt or die.’ He has constantly changed and evolved as a pitcher,” expressed Jack Dreyer, teammate.

An increasingly difficult achievement

With the rise of bullpen usage and the reduction in long starts, it is increasingly difficult for pitchers to accumulate the necessary innings to reach these types of milestones. Only two active pitchers have reached 3,000: Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander. The closest —Chris Sale (2,528) and Gerrit Cole (2,251)— would need several more seasons and impeccable health to achieve it.

“The game is changing. There are many dominant relievers, and that reduces the opportunities for starters,” Kershaw explained. “Even so, there are pitchers with the ability to do it, they just need the opportunity.”

A Race to the Hall of Fame

Kershaw has witnessed and been a protagonist in an era of changes in baseball. His consistency, durability, and dominance on the mound position him as one of the best left-handed pitchers in the history of the game.

“He has one of the best repertoires of all time,” commented his teammate Justin Wrobleski. “Probably the best left-handed pitcher we’ve seen.”

To put the feat in perspective: the 2024 strikeout leader, Tarik Skubal, finished with 225. It would take at least 13 seasons at that pace to reach 3,000. In the words of the Dodgers’ manager, Dave Roberts:

“Kershaw has been exceptional. What he has done in this era of baseball is extraordinary. What we are witnessing may not be repeated.”

A night that can go down in history

With his next home start, in front of his fans, and on the verge of a historic mark, the baseball world will be watching to see if Kershaw writes another golden chapter in his already legendary career.