The K/9 ratio is a statistic used to measure the average number of strikeouts a pitcher records for every nine innings pitched. It is a valuable tool for evaluating a pitcher’s performance and it can be used to compare them against one another. Over the years, there have been some incredible pitchers who have achieved some extraordinary K/9 ratios. Here, we take a look at who has the highest K/9 in MLB history.
Introduction to K/9
K/9 is a ratio that is used to calculate the average number of strikeouts a pitcher records for every nine innings pitched. It is an important statistic for measuring how effective a pitcher is in striking out batters. The higher the K/9 ratio, the more effective the pitcher is at getting batters out.
In baseball, strikeouts are an important part of the game as they can help a team record an out and get out of a jam. As such, a pitcher with a high K/9 ratio is highly sought after as they can help a team prevent runs and remain competitive.
The Highest K/9 in MLB History
When it comes to the highest K/9 in MLB history, there are two pitchers who stand out from the rest. They are the legendary Randy Johnson and the modern-day Clayton Kershaw.
Randy Johnson
Randy Johnson was one of the most dominant pitchers in MLB history. During his 22-year career, he recorded 4,875 strikeouts, the most in MLB history. He was known for his powerful fastball and intimidating presence on the mound. Johnson also holds the record for the highest K/9 in MLB history with an impressive 11.6 K/9.
Johnson’s K/9 ratio was due in part to his ability to strike out batters with ease. He was able to record double-digit strikeouts in a game on multiple occasions, and his K/9 ratio was consistently in double digits over the course of his career.
Clayton Kershaw
Clayton Kershaw is one of the most dominant pitchers of the modern era. He has recorded 2,456 strikeouts over the course of his 13-year career, and his K/9 ratio is second only to Randy Johnson, at 11.3.
Kershaw is known for his excellent control, as he is able to record strikeouts at an impressive rate. He is also able to pitch deep into games, as evidenced by his eight complete game shutouts in his career.
Kershaw has also been incredibly consistent over the course of his career, as his K/9 ratio has hovered around the 11.0 mark for the majority of his career.
Conclusion
The K/9 ratio is an important statistic for evaluating a pitcher’s performance. It is a reflection of a pitcher’s ability to strike out batters and prevent runs from scoring.
Randy Johnson and Clayton Kershaw are the two pitchers who have the highest K/9 ratio in MLB history. Johnson holds the record with a career K/9 of 11.6, while Kershaw is second with an 11.3. Both pitchers have been incredibly dominant throughout their respective careers and their K/9 ratios are a testament to their greatness.