The Untold Story Behind MLB’s All-Time Strikeout Kings: Who Tops the List?

The Untold Story Behind MLB’s All-Time Strikeout Kings: Who Tops the List?

9. 3,534 Gaylord Perry

10. 3,508 Walter Johnson

11. 3,489 Max Scherzer*

Known for his relentless competitiveness, Scherzer has been a strikeout machine throughout his career. His lethal combination of a four-seam fastball and sharp slider continues to fool hitter after hitter, just as it has in many seasons of his career.

most-strikeouts-in-mlb-history-scherzer
Washington Nationals pitcher Max Scherzer celebrates his no-hitter against the Pittsburgh Pirates on June 20, 2015. He pitched a second no-hitter with 17 strikeouts later that season. (AP Photo)

12. 3,371 Greg Maddux

13. 3,342 Phil Niekro

14. 3,192 Fergie Jenkins

15. 3,154 Pedro Martinez

16. 3,117 Bob Gibson

17. 3,116 Curt Schilling

18. 3,093 CC Sabathia

19. 3,084 John Smoltz

20. 3,052 Clayton Kershaw*

Kershaw was one of baseball’s most dominant pitchers nearly every season of his lengthy career. His signature curveball drops off a table as much as any in league history and his ability to deceive hitters by hiding the ball has led to sustained success, which in his final season in 2025 included a move into the top 20 of the most strikeouts in MLB history. The 3K milestone was reached against Vinny Capra of the Chicago White Sox on July 2, 2025.

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