A Look at Clayton Kershaw’s Strikeout Numbers
Since bursting onto the MLB scene in 2008, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw has earned a reputation as one of the best in the game. He’s been a perennial Cy Young Award contender and has won the award three times in his career, despite being just 31 years old. He’s been an All-Star eight times, won the ERA title four times, and is one of only two current players to have more than 2,000 career strikeouts.
Kershaw’s Career Strikeout Numbers
Kershaw’s career strikeout numbers have been both impressive and consistent. As of the 2020 season, Kershaw has pitched to the tune of 2,326 total strikeouts, the 15th most in major league history. He has an average of 8.3 strikeouts per nine innings during his career, which is the fifth highest of all-time among players with at least 2,000 career innings.
Since 2011, Kershaw has been averaging between 10 and 11 strikeouts per nine innings. This has resulted in him recording 200 or more strikeouts six times, highlighted by his 2015 season when he threw 301 strikeouts—an impressive feat considering he only pitched 232 innings.
The Future
With his age and skill set on his side, Kershaw looks to have plenty of time and plenty of opportunities to add to his impressivestrikeout numbers. Considering that he already has 2,326 strikeouts and is coming off a season where he notched 178 strikeouts in a shortened 60-game season, he could easily end his career with at least 3,000 strikeouts, if not more. It’s a testament to his prowess on the mound and his longevity in the league.
A Look at Kershaw’s Achievement
Kershaw’s career strikeout numbers are truly impressive and are just one of many accomplishments that make him the pitcher he is today. In addition to his 2,326 strikeouts, he has a total of 242 wins, 261 games started and a career ERA of 3.08—numbers that will surely leave a lasting impression on the game of baseball in the years to come.
When all is said and done, Kershaw will surely cement his place among the all-time greats and Padres great Clayton Kershaw’s 2,326 career strikeouts will be just one of the many numbers that help tell his story.