May 6, 2025; Cumberland, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Braves pitcher Chris Sale (51) pitches the ball against the Cincinnati Reds during the second inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Godfree-Imagn Images
These are the National League strikeout leaders heading into the weekend:
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 114 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 107 strikeouts this season.
3. 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 105 strikeouts.
4. 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 101 strikeouts this year.
5. 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 97 strikeouts.
6. 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 96 this season.
7. 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 93 strikeouts this year.
8. 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 92 strikeouts this season.
9. 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 86 strikeouts this season.
10. 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 85 strikeouts this season
11. 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 84 strikeouts this year.
12. Spencer Schwellenbach, Braves
ATLANTA, GA – MAY 29: Spencer Schwellenbach #56 of the Atlanta Braves stands on the field before throwing the first pitch during his MLB debut against the Washington Nationals at Truist Park on May 29, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin D. Liles/Atlanta Braves/Getty Images)
The Braves righty has 84 strikeouts this year
13. 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 83 strikeouts this season.
14. Christopher Sanchez, Phillies
BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS – JULY 11: Christopher Sanchez #61 of the Philadelphia Phillies pitches against the Boston Red Sox during the third inning at Fenway Park on July 11, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Maddie Meyer/Getty Images)
