The MLB Pitchers with Most Pickoffs in their Career

In Major League Baseball (MLB), pickoffs are a critical aspect of controlling the running game and keeping base runners in check. While the pickoff might not receive the same attention as a strikeout or home run, it can be a momentum-killer for an opposing offense. Here are the top five MLB pitchers with the most pickoffs in their careers, showcasing their skill in disrupting base runners.

5. Mark Langston (77 Pickoffs)

Mark Langston was a left-handed pitcher known for his sharp pickoff move. Over a 16-year career from 1984 to 1999, Langston accumulated 77 pickoffs, making him one of the most effective pitchers at keeping runners close to the bag. Langston spent the majority of his career with the Seattle Mariners, California Angels and Montreal Expos. His ability to mix a devastating pickoff move with his pitching arsenal made him a formidable opponent. In the 1987 season, Langston recorded 12 pickoffs, one of his best seasons in controlling the base paths.

4. Kenny Rogers (79 Pickoffs)

Kenny Rogers, famously known as “The Gambler,” was a master of deception on the mound. A left-hander with a career spanning from 1989 to 2008, Rogers used his pickoff move to collect 79 pickoffs. Playing for teams such as the Texas Rangers, New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers, Rogers had a knack for catching runners off guard. His best season for pickoffs came in 1993 when he recorded 11, proving his expertise in controlling the running game. Rogers’ pickoff move was so effective that many base runners were hesitant to take large leads against him.

3. Andy Pettitte (98 Pickoffs)

Andy Pettitte, a key figure in the New York Yankees’ dynasty, was a master at controlling the running game. Over his career from 1995 to 2013, Pettitte amassed 98 pickoffs, using his quick and deceptive move to first base to catch runners off guard. Pettitte’s ability to mix his pickoff move with his pitching repertoire made him a dual threat on the mound. His best season for pickoffs was in 1997, where he recorded 14. Playing primarily for the Yankees and briefly for the Houston Astros, Pettitte’s legacy includes not just his postseason success but also his skill in neutralizing base runners.

2. Mark Buehrle (100 Pickoffs)

Mark Buehrle, known for his quick pace on the mound and consistency, ranks second on this list with 100 pickoffs. His 16-year career, spanning from 2000 to 2015, saw him excel with teams like the Chicago White Sox, Miami Marlins and Toronto Blue Jays. Buehrle’s pickoff move was subtle but highly effective, often catching even the most alert runners off guard. His best season in this regard was 2003, when he recorded 10 pickoffs. Buehrle’s pickoff success was a key component of his game, complementing his ability to induce ground balls and manage the tempo of the game.

1. Steve Carlton (Estimated 144 Pickoffs)

Steve Carlton stands as the all-time leader in pickoffs with 99 officially recorded, but due to pickoffs not being an official stat until 1974, it’s estimated that Carlton had a total of 144 pickoffs. Carlton, known as “Lefty,” was one of the most dominant pitchers in MLB history. His career spanned from 1965 to 1988, with the bulk of his success coming with the Philadelphia Phillies. Carlton’s deceptive pickoff move was a weapon that few base runners could outmaneuver. His best season for pickoffs came in 1977 when he recorded 19, showcasing his dominance on the mound.

Active Leader: Clayton Kershaw (71 Pickoffs)

Clayton Kershaw, one of the greatest pitchers of his generation, is the active leader in pickoffs with 71 as of September 2024. Known for his incredible consistency and dominance on the mound, Kershaw has played his entire career with the Los Angeles Dodgers. His best season for pickoffs was in 2011, when he recorded 9, showing that his effectiveness extends beyond just his pitching.