Greatest LHPs in MLB history: 2. Steve Carlton
- 4,136 strikeouts
- 3.22 career ERA
- 90.2 career WAR
Greatness and a long-lasting career. Steve Carlton had both and that is what makes him the second greatest left-handed pitcher in MLB history. Just imagine the kind of numbers Clayton Kershaw could compile if he plays 24 seasons like Carlton. That would mean that he’s barely halfway.
Carlton has the second-most strikeouts for a left-handed pitcher in MLB history, has the ninth-lowest ERA among starters on this list and has the second-most Cy Young awards, trailing just one player.
Carlton won four Cy Young awards, two World Series, the pitching triple crown, held the ERA title once, was a 10-time all-star and even has a Gold Glove in his mantle. He led the league in innings pitched five times, led in strikeouts five times and led in complete games three times.
Carlton’s prime is not as impressive as others on this list but it is still noteworthy and it has a 24-year-career on top of it. Carlton’s best seasons were from 1967 to 1982, where he posted a 3.00 ERA and struck out 3,388 batters.
Kershaw is either another three solid seasons or one more Cy Young from passing Carlton on this list, at least as far as I am concerned.