One of the greatest pitching accomplishments is winning 300 games in a career. Only 24 players have reached this milestone, with the last being Randy Johnson in 2009. Of these 24 players, only four have come in the 21st century. Thus, it is becoming less likely that another pitcher will reach the 300-win mark any time soon.
Has MLB Seen its Last 300 Win Pitcher?
Current Pitchers
The only two pitchers currently above 200 wins are Bartolo Colon and CC Sabathia, with 233 and 223 wins, respectively. Colon, 43, does not have the same energy he had in the early and mid-2000’s. This makes it almost impossible for him to reach the feat. Sabathia is 36, giving him a couple of solid years left to get to 300. His outstanding early career does not compare to the pitcher he is now. He is not the same player he once was, with only 18 wins combined since 2014. It is going to be very difficult for him to find enough juice to get the 77 he needs.
Other current pitchers who are more likely to reach the mark are Justin Verlander (173 wins) and Zack Greinke (155 wins), and both are 33. They are just above half way there, and have much more time to catch up. Many players who have 300 wins did not achieve the feat until their late 30s or early 40s. Thus, if they can stay healthy and pitch well for 5-10 more years, they both have a chance.
Bullpen
A major concern for starting pitchers trying to win 300 games is the rise and usage of the bullpen. In order to get credit for a win, the starter has to pitch at least five innings. Many managers do not care about who gets the win, as long as the team wins. If the starter is struggling in the fourth or fifth inning and needs to be removed, he will be. It is becoming more difficult to get wins now.
The Heat
Another ding against pitchers is the fact that they all throw extremely hard. Many throw over 93 mph, and some can hit 100. Consequently, a plethora of pitchers get hurt early in their careers, forcing them to miss the time and experience needed to get 300 wins. Given the way baseball is trending, this will not stop any time soon either. The harder someone throws, the higher they get drafted. That means more money and a greater chance at making it to the majors.
While there may very well be someone who comes along and plays into their 40s, the chances of that happening now are very slim. The higher velocity and shorter stints each game cause a lot of wear and tear on the body, forcing it to break down more rapidly than in the past. It is becoming more difficult for pitchers to reach 300 wins in their career with the current playing requirements.
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