**Jacob deGrom Makes MLB History with 1,800th Strikeout**
**Meta Description:** Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom reaches 1,800 career strikeouts, becoming the fastest player in MLB history to achieve this milestone.
**URL Slug:** jacob-degrom-1800-strikeouts-mlb-history
**Jacob deGrom Makes MLB History with 1,800th Strikeout**
Texas Rangers ace Jacob deGrom etched his name in Major League Baseball history on Sunday during a game against the Seattle Mariners. In the second inning, deGrom struck out Mariners shortstop J.P. Crawford with a blazing 98.7 mph fastball, marking his 1,800th career strikeout. This achievement made him the fastest player to reach this milestone, accomplishing it in just 240 games and 1,493.1 innings pitched.
DeGrom, now 37, surpassed the previous record held by Hall of Famer Randy Johnson, who reached 1,800 strikeouts in 243 games. In terms of innings pitched, current Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale needed 1,498 innings to hit the same mark.
Despite this historic achievement, deGrom’s performance on the night was less than stellar. He completed five innings, recording five strikeouts and three walks while allowing four hits, three of which were home runs, resulting in five earned runs during the Rangers’ 5-4 loss. This outing was uncharacteristic for deGrom, who had not given up three home runs in a single game since 2022.
Entering this game, deGrom had a solid 2.55 ERA over 21 appearances, striking out 130 batters against just 26 walks in 123.2 innings. In his prime, he was considered one of the most dominant pitchers in the league, winning back-to-back Cy Young Awards in 2018 and 2019. At that time, discussions about him reaching the coveted 3,000 career strikeout milestone were common.
However, injuries have plagued deGrom’s career. He pitched only 15 games in 2021 due to forearm tightness and elbow inflammation. A stress reaction in his scapula delayed his 2022 season until August, and he made just six starts in 2023 before undergoing Tommy John surgery, marking the second time he has faced this procedure since being drafted in 2010. Last year, he managed only three starts for the Rangers after signing a five-year, $185 million contract.
Despite the challenging outing on Sunday, deGrom’s performance this season has been what the Rangers and their fans hoped for when he signed. He continues to strive for the high standards he sets for himself as he works to regain his dominant form.
**FAQ**
**What milestone did Jacob deGrom achieve in his recent game?**
Jacob deGrom reached his 1,800th career strikeout, becoming the fastest player in MLB history to achieve this milestone.
