Jacob deGrom Achieves 2,000 Career Strikeouts Against Nationals

Jacob deGrom reached a significant milestone in his career by recording his 2,000th strikeout during a game against the Washington Nationals. The achievement came as he struck out Daylen Lile to start the game and then followed up with a strikeout of Abimelec Ortiz, marking a high point in deGrom's illustrious career.

Since making his MLB debut in 2014 with the New York Mets, deGrom has established himself as one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball. Despite not being a top-100 prospect, he quickly exceeded expectations, earning the National League Rookie of the Year award in his first season with a 2.69 ERA and 144 strikeouts over 140.1 innings.

DeGrom's career took a remarkable turn in 2018 when he led the majors with a 1.70 ERA and won his first Cy Young award. He continued to impress in subsequent seasons, winning back-to-back Cy Youngs in 2018 and 2019, and leading the league in strikeouts during the COVID-19-shortened season in 2020. However, injuries began to affect his performance, limiting his appearances in the following years.

After signing a five-year, $185 million contract with the Texas Rangers in the offseason following the 2022 season, deGrom faced challenges, including Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for most of the 2023 season. He made a brief return in 2024 but only pitched in three games, showing flashes of his former self.

In 2025, deGrom experienced a resurgence, throwing 172.2 innings with a 2.97 ERA and earning an All-Star selection for the first time since 2021. As of his latest start, he holds a 3.95 ERA over 121.1 innings pitched this season, and with his 2,000 strikeouts, he ranks 93rd on the all-time strikeout list, with the potential to climb higher in the coming seasons.