The Texas Rangers are the poster team for the state of the game in 2018.
Strikeout rates have increased every year since 2006, when batters struck out 6.52 times per game. In 2018, that number is at an all-time high 8.71 strikeouts a game.
The Rangers went over 400 strikeouts on Saturday. They lead the majors with 424. The Blue Jays are the next-closest American League team at 373. Part of the issue has to do with who Texas is facing most often. American League West foes Houston and Anaheim are Nos. 1 and 7 in strikeouts.