On Sunday, Justin Verlander achieved a significant career milestone by recording his 3,500th strikeout, solidifying his place among the all-time great MLB pitchers. The veteran San Francisco Giants starter reached this achievement during the decisive game of the series versus the Washington Nationals, a moment that highlighted his long and illustrious career that began with the Detroit Tigers.
Career Context and Current Season Challenges
Verlander struck out all three batters in the first inning, marking the historic milestone, and joining a select group of just 10 pitchers to reach 3,500 strikeouts in Major League Baseball history. With Walter Johnson holding ninth place on the all-time leaderboard at 3,509 strikeouts, Verlander is poised to climb further as he continues pitching.
Despite this historic mark, Verlander struggled in the following inning, conceding a single, two doubles, and a home run while the Nationals built a 4-0 lead. This came after a recent period of strong performances, during which he allowed only one earned run over 15 innings in three starts.
His 2024 season has been difficult, with a 1-8 record, 4.59 ERA, 1.500 WHIP, and an average of eight strikeouts per nine innings across 19 starts. Entering Sunday’s game, Verlander held a marginal -0.1 WAR, reflecting challenges in maintaining his usual dominance.
Legacy Highlights Across Two Decades in MLB
Although the 42-year-old pitcher has faced a downturn this year, his career achievements remain exceptional. Over 20 seasons, Verlander has amassed 263 wins, been named to nine All-Star teams, won three Cy Young Awards, and earned two World Series championships. He holds a career 3.33 ERA, 1.135 WHIP, and averages nine strikeouts per nine innings, with an impressive 80.9 WAR.
His time with the Houston Astros in 2024 has mirrored recent struggles, but these have not overshadowed the remarkable career he has built. Additionally, Verlander extended his lead among active pitchers by allowing the 3,000th hit of his career on Sunday, marked by a home run from Nationals’ CJ Abrams.
End of an Era Approaches for Verlander and Fellow Stars
Justin Verlander, along with fellow veteran pitchers Clayton Kershaw and Max Scherzer, will reach free agency at the conclusion of the season. This trio of future Hall of Famers could be entering the twilight of their MLB careers, signaling an upcoming shift as a new generation of pitchers prepares to take the spotlight starting in 2026 or shortly thereafter.
MLB Stories Surrounding the Current Season
Other noteworthy moments include the New York Yankees’ manager Aaron Boone being ejected after disputing umpire Derek Thomas’ calls during a game. Meanwhile, Ryan Helsley of the New York Mets impressed with a 103.8 mph fastball, reflecting ongoing talent reshaping the league. Additionally, Mets slugger Pete Alonso matched Darryl Strawberry’s long-standing home run record for the franchise, demonstrating a blend of historic milestones and emerging feats this season.