New York Yankees ace Gerrit Cole led the majors in strikeouts last season, trailed closely by Milwaukee Brewers right-hander Corbin Burnes.
In 2023, the pair entered the season among the favorites to claim the distinction as the best strikeout pitcher in the game.
However, neither pitcher sits among the top 10 in baseball in strikeouts coming out of the All-Star break, with several surprise candidates taking sports near the top.
Look at our updated 2023 MLB Strikeouts Leader odds and best bets.
MLB Strikeouts Leader Odds 2023
MLB Strikeouts Leader betting odds are current from DraftKings Sportsbook as of Wednesday, July 12.
- Spencer Strider, Braves (-185)
- Kevin Gausman, Blue Jays (+200)
- Gerrit Cole, Yankees (+1800)
- Pablo Lopez, Twins (+2000)
- Shohei Ohtani, Angels (+2000)
- Blake Snell, Padres (+3500)
- Dylan Cease, White Sox (+3500)
- Zac Gallen, Diamondbacks (+3500)
- Aaron Nola, Phillies (+5500)
- Lance Lynn, White Sox (+10000)
- Jesus Luzardo, Marlins (+10000)
- Mitch Keller, Pirates (+10000)
- Logan Webb, Giants (+10000)
- Luis Castillo, Mariners (+15000)
- Framber Valdez, Astros (+15000)
- Zack Wheeler, Phillies (+15000)
- Kodai Senga, Mets (+15000)
This looks to be a two-horse race at the moment between Spencer Strider and Kevin Gausman, with a large group vying for the third spot in the majors,
MLB Strikeouts Leader Best Bet 2023
Spencer Strider, Braves (-185)
DraftKings Sportsbook • Wager: 1 Unit
After narrowly losing the National League Rookie of the Year award last season to teammate Michael Harris III, Strider is dominating the completion in 2023.
Coming out of the All-Star break, the Braves ace is sporting the second-highest strikeout percentage since 1995 (38.9%).
Strider is the clear front-runner for the away and should have no issues claiming the prize if he can stay healthy.
MLB Strikeouts Leader Contenders 2023
Kevin Gausman, Blue Jays (+200)
DraftKings Sportsbook • Wager: 1 Unit
Gausman may not receive the run support he would like from the Blue Jays offense during his outings, but that does not stop him from embarrassing the other teams’ lineup.
Through 19 starts, the right-hander has struck out 153 batters over 115.2 innings with a 3.30 ERA.
If Strider is sidelined for any time, Gausman could run away as the strikeout leader.
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MLB Strikeouts Leader Sleeper 2023
Blake Snell, Padres (+3500)
DraftKings Sportsbook • Wager: 1 Unit
The Padres’ southpaw got off to a very slow start this season but has taken off over the last month in a significant way.
Blake Snell now boasts a 2.85 ERA over 98 frames with 132 punchouts. If the 30-year-old can maintain his form throughout the second half, he could become a dark horse to claim the strikeout title.
