Every MLB pitcher with 3,000 strikeouts: Clayton Kershaw reaches rarefied air

There aren't many baseball lists more illustrious than the 3,000 strikeout club. Only 19 pitchers in baseball history have eclipsed the 3K mark, and 15 of them are in the Hall of Fame. Two of them are still pitching (Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander) and they're both shoo-ins for Cooperstown, as well.

On Wednesday night, Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Clayton Kershaw made the list an even 20. Kershaw has been steadily climbing toward one of baseball's most exclusive fraternities, and he finally busted down the door against the Chicago White Sox, punching out Vinny Capra in the sixth inning to record strikeout No. 3,000.

At 100 pitches, it was likely the final batter of Kershaw's night, and he made it count. Here's a look at the full 3,000-K club and the company that the legendary lefty has joined.

Every MLB pitcher to reach 3,000 strikeouts

Nolan Ryan has nearly 1,000 more strikeouts than everyone else

He also has about 1,000 more walks than any other pitcher in baseball history. There will never be another like Nolan, who pitched until he was 46 years old (and struck out 157 batters in his age-45 season.)

Clayton Kershaw has powered through injuries to reach 3,000 strikeouts

Around 2017, when Kershaw was coming off of his seventh season of 200-plus strikeouts in the last eight, it appeared as if he would cruise to 3,000 strikeouts (as much as anyone can cruise to 3,000 strikeouts, that is.) But injuries, a COVID-shortened year and a slight tick down in his strikeout numbers suddenly made that feel less like a guarantee.

But now, at 37 years old, Kershaw has joined the list — and accomplished one of the final milestones a pitcher could wish for in their career. He'd already captured an MVP, three Cy Young awards, 10 All Star games, a pitching triple crown, two World Series rings and five ERA titles. The 3K club is simply the crowning achievement on a stunning career.

Kershaw becomes third active pitcher in the 3,000 strikeout club

None of Kershaw, Scherzer or Verlander are the pitchers they once were. They've all dealt with injuries in the past few seasons (makes sense after throwing about a million innings) and it won't be long until the three call it quits on illustrious careers.

But their legacies stand alone. Combined, they've struck out 6876 batters (and counting.) That's a lot of whiffs.

Other active pitchers close to 3,000 strikeouts

Can someone please give Zack Greinke a job so he can reach 3,000 strikeouts? The eccentric pitcher is sitting at 2,979, just 21 away from becoming No. 21 to clear the mark. Chris Sale is the next active pitcher on the list with 2,528 strikeouts, and Gerrit Cole is next at 2,251. Given the injury concerns the latter two have dealt with of late and their advancing age, it's fair to wonder whether they'll be able to get there — or whether anyone will again.