Mets' Jacob deGrom becomes second-fastest pitcher to reach 1,500 career strikeouts By Zac Wassink | Last updated 7/7/21 New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom may not be in the running to earn National League Most Valuable Player Award honors by the time late September arrives, but he's nevertheless on track to win a third career Cy Young. He added to his Hall of Fame resume during the Wednesday afternoon home game against the Milwaukee Brewers at Citi Field. In the top of the fourth inning, deGrom became the second-fastest pitcher in history to record his 1,500th career MLB strikeout: Congrats to Jacob deGrom on 1,500 career strikeouts