Justin Verlander has recorded 3,416 strikeouts in his career so far. He has played for the Detroit Tigers, Houston Astros, and San Francisco Giants. Known for his durability and high-velocity fastball, Verlander has earned three Cy Young Awards and continues to be a dominant force in MLB.
Walter Johnson played his entire career (1907–1927) with the Washington Senators. His 3,509 strikeouts stood as the record for over 50 years. Johnson's powerful fastball earned him a place among the inaugural Hall of Fame inductees in 1936.
Gaylord Perry's career (1962–1983) included time with the San Francisco Giants, Cleveland Indians, Texas Rangers, San Diego Padres, New York Yankees, Atlanta Braves, Seattle Mariners, and Kansas City Royals. Known for his spitball, Perry amassed 3,534 strikeouts and won Cy Young Awards in both leagues. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1991.
Don Sutton pitched from 1966 to 1988, primarily with the Los Angeles Dodgers, but also with the Houston Astros, Milwaukee Brewers, Oakland Athletics, and California Angels. His 3,574 strikeouts and remarkable consistency led to his Hall of Fame induction in 1998.
Tom Seaver's career (1967–1986) featured time with the New York Mets, Cincinnati Reds, Chicago White Sox, and Boston Red Sox. Known as "Tom Terrific," he recorded 3,640 strikeouts and was a key figure in the Mets' 1969 World Series win. Seaver was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1992.
Bert Blyleven pitched from 1970 to 1992 for teams including the Minnesota Twins, Texas Rangers, Pittsburgh Pirates, Cleveland Indians, and California Angels. His 3,701 strikeouts reflect his exceptional curveball and longevity. Blyleven was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.
Steve Carlton's 24-year career (1965–1988) included stints with the St. Louis Cardinals, Philadelphia Phillies, San Francisco Giants, Chicago White Sox, Cleveland Indians, and Minnesota Twins. With 4,136 strikeouts, Carlton was a ten-time All-Star and four-time Cy Young Award winner. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1994.
Roger Clemens pitched for 24 seasons (1984–2007) with the Boston Red Sox, Toronto Blue Jays, New York Yankees, and Houston Astros. Accumulating 4,672 strikeouts, he won a record seven Cy Young Awards. Despite his achievements, Clemens' alleged involvement with performance-enhancing drugs has impacted his Hall of Fame candidacy.
Randy Johnson, nicknamed "The Big Unit," played 22 seasons (1988–2009) for teams such as the Montreal Expos, Seattle Mariners, Arizona Diamondbacks, New York Yankees, and San Francisco Giants. His 4,875 strikeouts rank second all-time. Johnson's dominant left-handed pitching earned him five Cy Young Awards and a Hall of Fame induction in 2015.
Nolan Ryan's career spanned 27 seasons (1966–1993) with teams including the New York Mets, California Angels, Houston Astros, and Texas Rangers. His 5,714 strikeouts remain the MLB record. Known for his overpowering fastball, Ryan pitched seven no-hitters and was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.
