The Kings of the K: From Nolan Ryan to Pedro Martinez to Max Scherzer, here’s a look at the most dominant strikeout pitchers in MLB history.
With the deployment of new analytics in modern baseball, we can expect the all-time strikeout list to frequently be shaken up by the next generation of talented pitchers.
As far as hitting coaches and analytics alike are concerned, a strikeout is just an out. With no runners on base, a K is often the same as a groundout, flyout or any other unsuccessful plate appearance. When runners are on base, the data has shown it’s more valuable for hitters to swing for the fences than to simply make contact and move any runners. This has led to more home runs and, in turn, many more strikeouts.
However, modern data and knowledge of injuries have also led to fewer innings per outing for starting pitchers, prompting managers to pull them from games far sooner than just 20 years prior. While this has partially offset the increase in strikeouts we have seen in recent years, there are still a handful of modern stars who are on pace to crack the all-time top 20 list, and a few who have already reached it.
Among all-time MLB records, this is a list that’s packing punch. Here are the pitchers with the most strikeouts in MLB history:
*-Player still active (all totals through May 18, 2025)
1. 5,714 – Nolan Ryan
The undisputed king of the strikeout, Ryan’s 5,714 strikeouts remain a record that many view as untouchable (much like his seven no-hitters). His blistering fastball and devastating curveball intimidated every opposing hitter for his entire 27-year career.
2. 4,875 – Randy Johnson
Aptly known as “The Big Unit,” Johnson used his 6-foot, 10-inch frame to his advantage, recording at least 300 Ks in an astonishing six seasons, including five in a row. His fastball regularly touched triple digits and wipeout slider baffled even the best major league hitters.
Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Randy Johnson delivers a pitch in the second inning of a home matchup against the San Francisco Giants in July 2002. He won the last of his five Cy Young awards that season. (AP Photo)3. 4,672 – Roger Clemens
Clemens pitched with an unmatched competitive edge night in and night out. He won a record seven Cy Young Awards, pairing his dominant fastball with a devastating split-finger pitch that many modern pitchers have since tried to emulate.
4. 4,136 – Steve Carlton
5. 3,701 – Bert Blyleven
6. 3,640 – Tom Seaver
7. 3,574 – Don Sutton
8. 3,534 – Gaylord Perry
9. 3,508 – Walter Johnson
10. 3,457 – Justin Verlander*
Verlander has already cemented himself as a future Hall of Famer and one of the greatest strikeout pitchers in major league history. Even deep into his career, he continues to rack up Ks by combining a high-90s fastball with great command and breaking pitches.
11. 3,408 – 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.
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. Phil Niekro – 3,342
14. Fergie Jenkins – 3,192
15. Pedro Martinez – 3,154
16. Bob Gibson – 3,117
17. Curt Schilling – 3,116
18. CC Sabathia – 3,093
19. John Smoltz – 3,084
20. Zack Greinke – 2,979
21. Clayton Kershaw* – 2,970
Kershaw has been 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 as he approaches the top 20 of the most strikeouts in MLB history.
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Which Pitchers Have the Most Strikeouts in MLB History? Opta Analyst.
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