In a sport where careers are often cut short by injury, velocity drop-off, or shifting trends, three of baseball’s most accomplished pitchers continue to defy expectations.
Justin Verlander, Clayton Kershaw, and Max Scherzer—each a multiple-time Cy Young Award winner and member of the prestigious 3,000 strikeout club—remain active contributors at the highest level of the game. Despite being well into their late 30s and early 40s, all three future Hall of Famers are still taking the mound, showcasing the durability and competitive drive that have defined their careers.
Their continued presence is unprecedented in an era that increasingly values youth and fastball speed. While many of their peers have transitioned into retirement, coaching roles, or broadcast booths, Verlander, Kershaw, and Scherzer remain fixtures in Major League rotations.
Each has taken a different path to longevity. Verlander, 42, has adjusted his mechanics and evolved his approach after Tommy John surgery, relying more on precision than overpowering stuff. Kershaw, now 37, has adapted to physical limitations with a refined mix of slider and curveball, recently becoming the latest pitcher to surpass 3,000 career strikeouts. Scherzer, at 41, continues to showcase his trademark intensity—striking out 11 batters in a recent start.
Together, they represent not only statistical excellence, but also longevity and legacy —those are the three pillars that define their remarkable careers. While the end of the road is inevitable, none of the three appears ready to step away just yet. Verlander remains driven by competition, Kershaw’s bond with the
Dodgers endure, and Scherzer continues to take the mound with Game 7 energy.
For now, fans have the rare opportunity to continue watching three of the game’s greatest pitchers compete at the highest level—adding final chapters to legacies that have already cemented their place in baseball history.