Rangers' Jacob deGrom Makes MLB History with 2,000 Career Strikeouts

Jacob deGrom reached an impressive individual milestone during the Texas Rangers' clash with the Washington Nationals on Thursday night.

The two-time Cy Young Award winner recorded his 2,000th career strikeout in the first inning of the game.

He also amassed 2,000 strikeouts in the fewest total innings pitched by a right-hander in MLB history.

With deGrom's latest accomplishment, he became the 94th pitcher to rack up at least 2,000 strikeouts (h/t ESPN). He's also the fourth player to reach the threshold this season, joining Kevin Gausman, Sonny Gray and Aaron Nola.

Joining the 2,000-strikeout club is a particularly impressive achievement for deGrom considering the injuries that have taken a toll on his career.

He was limited to just 35 total starts from 2021-24, navigating through a scapular stress reaction in 2022 before undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2023. It marked the second Tommy John procedure of his career, as he previously underwent the same surgery in 2010.

Still, deGrom came back and put together an impressive 2025 season in which he earned an All-Star nod and finished No. 8 in American League Cy Young award voting.

This year, the five-time All-Star owned an 8-8 record in 23 starts heading into Thursday's action. He's compiled a 3.95 ERA while limiting opposing hitters to a .237/.284/.391 slash line.

Now, deGrom is looking to end his 2026 campaign on a high note and help the Rangers reach the postseason for the first time since their World Series victory in 2023.

Texas currently sits at No. 2 in the AL West standings with a 62-65 record. The Rangers are 0.5 games back from the final Wild Card spot and two games back from the division lead.