Astros' Ace Gerrit Cole Sets MLB History After Another Strikeout-Filled Outing vs Tigers

Houston Astros starter Gerrit Cole couldn't have picked a better time to become a free agent, as in his start Thursday night against the Detroit Tigers, he filled up the boxscore with a bunch of strikeouts yet again. 12 of them over seven shutout innings to be exact.

It was the 14th time this year Cole has struck out at least 10 batters in seven innings or fewer, setting the MLB single-season record in the modern era dating back to 1900.

Any time you can do something no other pitcher has done in over 100 years is pretty darn special.

Cole has racked up an absurd 236 strikeouts across 26 starts this season. He boasts a 13.1 K/9, somehow improving on the 12.4 mark he led all starters with in 2018.

What makes Cole so dominant is his ability to light up the radar gun while maintaining almost perfect accuracy. He's one of just a few pitchers in baseball capable of painting the corners with his near-triple digit fastball.

Cole's showcase in Houston will make him the most coveted arm on the market next offseason and he's lining himself up to earn a massive payday.