As the 2026 season approaches, one milestone worth tracking closely centers on Texas Rangers ace Jacob deGrom and his pursuit of 2,000 career strikeouts. Long regarded as one of the most dominant pitchers of his generation, deGrom sits at 1,851 strikeouts, leaving him just 149 shy of the mark.

If recent performance is any indication, then that number is well within reach. In 2025, deGrom delivered a resurgent campaign, tallying 185 strikeouts across 172 2/3 innings while posting a 2.97 ERA and a 12-8 record.

More importantly, it marked his healthiest and most consistent season in years, a critical development for a pitcher whose career has been periodically interrupted by injuries.

Durability remains the key variable. Outside of the shortened 2020 season, the last time deGrom made at least 30 starts came in 2019, when he captured his second consecutive Cy Young Award.

Since then, maintaining a full workload has been a challenge, even as his effectiveness has rarely been in question when on the mound.

Even now, deGrom continues to profile as a frontline starter. While he may not fully replicate the overpowering peak that defined his Cy Young seasons, his command, pitch mix, and ability to miss bats still place him among the game’s most dominant arms.

For the Rangers, simply having him available every fifth day could make all the difference — not just for their rotation, but for his place in history.

Reaching 2,000 strikeouts would elevate deGrom into rare company.

Legends such as Justin Verlander, Nolan Ryan, Clayton Kershaw, Max Scherzer, Sandy Koufax, Randy Johnson, and Pedro Martínez headline the list of pitchers who have achieved the milestone, underscoring the level of excellence required to get there. Most recently, Gerrit Cole reached the plateau in 2023.

Historically, only 89 pitchers in Major League Baseball have recorded 2,000 strikeouts, making it a benchmark that blends longevity with dominance.

Based on his strikeout rate and career trajectory, deGrom is also on pace to reach the milestone in fewer innings than most, a testament to his efficiency and ability to overpower hitters.

For deGrom, the path to 2,000 ultimately hinges on health. If he can replicate his 2025 form and remain on the field, then the milestone should come into focus sometime during the 2026 campaign — adding yet another chapter to an already remarkable career.

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