Max Scherzer Becomes 11th Pitcher in MLB History to Reach 3,500 Strikeouts

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Max Scherzer Becomes 11th MLB Pitcher With 3,500 Strikeouts

Max Scherzer Becomes 11th MLB Pitcher With 3,500 Strikeouts

Max Scherzer became the 11th pitcher in Major League Baseball history to record 3,500 strikeouts, achieving the milestone during a start against the Atlanta Braves on May 25, 2023, according to MLB.com and verified game logs. The feat cements Scherzer’s status as one of the most dominant pitchers of his era, joining an elite group that includes Randy Johnson, Roger Clemens, and Randy Johnson.

Scherzer struck out Braves batter Austin Riley in the fifth inning of the game, reaching the 3,500-mark in a 5-2 victory at Citi Field. The moment was celebrated by fans and teammates, with the New York Mets releasing a statement that called the achievement “a testament to Scherzer’s relentless competitiveness and precision.”

How Did Scherzer Achieve the Milestone?

Scherzer’s 3,500th strikeout came during a game against the Braves, marking a culmination of his 16-season career. The strikeout of Riley was the 10th of the night for Scherzer, who finished with 10 strikeouts in six innings. According to Baseball-Reference, Scherzer has recorded 3,503 strikeouts for his career, with 3,487 coming with the Detroit Tigers, Washington Nationals, and Los Angeles Dodgers before his trade to the Mets in 2022.

How Did Scherzer Achieve the Milestone?

The milestone came in Scherzer’s 51st start of the 2023 season, with the Mets at 27-24 through May 25. Scherzer, 38, has maintained a 3.24 ERA this season, showcasing his ability to dominate even at his age. His 3,500 strikeouts place him 11th all-time, behind only the likes of Nolan Ryan (5,714), Randy Johnson (5,077), and Roger Clemens (4,672).

What Does This Mean for His Career?

Scherzer’s 3,500-strikeout milestone solidifies his legacy as one of the greatest left-handed pitchers in MLB history. The achievement places him in the same conversation as Hall of Famers like Greg Maddux and Pedro Martínez, though he remains behind the all-time leader, Nolan Ryan. Scherzer’s consistency over 16 seasons, including 10 200-strikeout seasons, has made him a perennial All-Star and Cy Young Award contender.

Max Scherzer's 3000th Career Strikeout

The Mets’ front office highlighted the significance of the milestone in a press release, stating, “Max’s 3,500 strikeouts reflect his unparalleled work ethic and ability to perform under pressure. This is a rare achievement that few pitchers ever reach, and it underscores his impact on the game.”

Who Else Has Reached 3,500 Strikeouts?

Scherzer is the 11th pitcher in MLB history to reach 3,500 strikeouts, joining a list that includes:

Editor-in-Chief

Editor-in-Chief

Daniel Richardson is the Editor-in-Chief of Archysport, where he leads the editorial team and oversees all published content across nine sport verticals. With over 15 years in sports journalism, Daniel has reported from the FIFA World Cup, the Olympic Games, NFL Super Bowls, NBA Finals, and Grand Slam tennis tournaments. He previously served as Senior Sports Editor at Reuters and holds a Master's degree in Journalism from Columbia University. Recognized by the Sports Journalists' Association for excellence in reporting, Daniel is a member of the International Sports Press Association (AIPS). His editorial philosophy centers on accuracy, depth, and fair coverage — ensuring every story published on Archysport meets the highest standards of sports journalism.

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