# Who's the Greatest Pitcher of This Generation?

> Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke debate who's the best pitcher of this generation.
- Title: Who's the Greatest Pitcher of This Generation? · Mlb
- Summary: Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke debate who's the best pitcher of this generation. Kershaw has the best historical stats but…
- Keywords: justin verlander, max scherzer, clayton kershaw, zack greinke, mlb, cy young, hall of fame, pitching, era, strikeouts, innings pitched, career strikeout
- Source: Mlb — https://mlb.com/news/greatest-pitcher-debate-justin-verlander-max-scherzer-clayton-kershaw-zack-greinke
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: justin verlander, max scherzer, clayton kershaw, zack greinke, mlb, cy young, hall of fame, pitching, era, strikeouts, innings pitched, career strikeout
## Who's the best pitcher?
Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke are the top contenders for the greatest pitcher of this generation.
## Kershaw's stats lead
Kershaw has the highest ERA and ERA+ among the four, with five ERA titles and 3,000 strikeouts.
## Verlander's longevity
Verlander has the most wins and strikeouts, with a 2011-12 season ranking among the best of all time.
## Scherzer's impact
Scherzer has influenced modern pitching with his all-out-every-pitch approach and high strikeout totals.
## Greinke's peak
Greinke had an exceptional 2009 season with 2,979 strikeouts and 225 wins, but his career stats trail the others.
## Hall of Fame chances
Kershaw has the best chance for unanimous Hall of Fame votes due to his consistent performance and iconic team.
## Historical comparison
Kershaw's stats are comparable to the legendary pitchers of the last generation, including Pedro Martinez and Roger Clemens.
## Longevity debate
Verlander's 2022 season at age 39 and Scherzer's 2022 season at age 37 highlight their different career trajectories.
## Strikeout totals
Verlander has 3,554 strikeouts, Scherzer has 3,550, Kershaw has 3,052 and Greinke has 2,979.
## Innings pitched
Verlander has pitched 3,571 innings, Scherzer 3,040, Kershaw 2,855 and Greinke 3,389.
## Hall of Fame debate
Kershaw has the best chance for unanimous Hall of Fame votes, but Verlander's Astros connection complicates his case.
## Legacy impact
Verlander's influence on young pitchers and Scherzer's modern pitching approach define their legacies.
## Historical context
The current generation of pitchers faces a different offensive environment than the last generation, affecting their historical comparisons.
## Final question
Who is your pick for the greatest pitcher of this generation?
## Key takeaway

Kershaw has the best historical stats but Verlander's longevity and Scherzer's impact make the debate complex.