May 2, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Robbie Ray (38) pitches the ball against the Colorado Rockies during the first inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images
These are the National League strikeout leaders after play on Friday night:
1. MacKenzie Gore, Nationals
Mar 27, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Washington Nationals pitcher MacKenzie Gore (1) throws a pitch during the fourth inning against the Philadelphia Phillies at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
The Nats breakout star has 108 strikeouts this season to lead the NL.
2. Chris Sale, Braves
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – AUGUST 12: Chris Sale #51 of the Atlanta Braves pitches in the bottom of the first inning against the San Francisco Giants at Oracle Park on August 12, 2024 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
The reigning NL Cy Young award winner has 96 strikeouts this season.
3. Zack Wheeler, Phillies
Mar 27, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Zack Wheeler (45) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
The veteran righty has 94 strikeouts this year.
4. Logan Webb, Giants
SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 13: Logan Webb #62 of the San Francisco Giants reacts after he struck out Trent Grisham #2 of the San Diego Padres to end the eighth inning at Oracle Park on April 13, 2022 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
Webb has been exceptional this season and has 91 strikeouts.
5. Robbie Ray, Giants
May 13, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Robbie Ray (38) prepares to throw against the Arizona Diamondbacks‘‘ during the fourth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images
Ray has 87 strikeouts this season.
6. Paul Skenes, Pirates
ST LOUIS, MISSOURI – JUNE 11: Paul Skenes #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals in the first inning at Busch Stadium on June 11, 2024 in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images)
The young star has 85 strikeouts.
7. Dylan Cease, Padres
Mar 16, 2025; Tempe, Arizona, USA; San Diego Padres pitcher Dylan Cease against the Los Angeles Angels during a spring training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Cease has always been a strikeout machine, and he has 85 this season.
8. Jesus Luzardo, Phillies
Mar 29, 2025; Washington, District of Columbia, USA; Philadelphia Phillies pitcher Jesus Luzardo (44) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images
Luzardo has been hit hard lately, but he has 83 strikeouts this year.
9. Sonny Gray, Cardinals
JUPITER, FLORIDA – FEBRUARY 27: Sonny Gray #54 of the St. Louis Cardinals pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the first inning of a spring training game at Roger Dean Stadium on February 27, 2024 in Jupiter, Florida. (Photo by Megan Briggs/Getty Images)
The Cards veteran righty has 81 strikeouts this season
10. Tylor Megill, Mets
Apr 21, 2025; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets pitcher Tylor Megill (38) pitches against the Philadelphia Phillies during the first inning at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Megill has pitched great for the Mets and has 79 strikeouts this year.
11. Ben Brown, Cubs
Jun 6, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Chicago Cubs starting pitcher Ben Brown (32) throws a pitch against the Detroit Tigers in the third inning at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-Imagn Images
The Cubbies righty has 78 strikeouts this season.
12. Yoshinobu Yamamoto, Dodgers
Apr 18, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto (18) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images
The Dodgers ace has 77 strikeouts this season.
13. Nick Pivetta, Padres
Apr 16, 2025; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Nick Pivetta (27) delivers during the second inning against the Chicago Cubs at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
