Jacob deGrom is once again showing the dominance that made him a vintage All-Star ace, proving his resilience despite recent injury struggles. Now 37, deGrom has reestablished himself as a leading pitcher for the Texas Rangers in the 2023 season, delivering performances reminiscent of his peak years with the New York Mets.
Following multiple injury-plagued seasons and a significant Tommy John surgery in 2022, deGrom has demonstrated his value and skill on the mound, reaffirming his status as an elite starting pitcher in Major League Baseball. This resurgence is especially meaningful given his recent health setbacks and the challenges of returning to form after such procedures.
Impressive Season Highlights and Statistical Milestones
As of mid-2023, deGrom holds a 9-2 record with a 2.29 ERA, completing 18 starts—double the number he managed over the previous two seasons combined since joining the Rangers. These numbers mark his busiest and most effective season since 2019, a campaign that earned him his second consecutive National League Cy Young Award with the Mets.
DeGrom’s current streak included 14 consecutive starts pitching at least five innings while allowing two or fewer runs, setting a franchise record for the Rangers. This stretch also ranks as the longest by any traditional starter since 1900 in the modern era without giving up more than six hits and two runs in a game, according to data from STATS. Within this run, he came exceptionally close to throwing a no-hitter on June 26 at Baltimore, retiring batters perfectly through six innings and allowing only a leadoff single in the eighth.
Recognition and Praise from Teammates and Leadership
DeGrom’s fifth All-Star selection, and his first in the American League, further cements his comeback. As the lone Texas player named to the 2023 All-Star Game in Atlanta, he continues to earn respect across the league.
Chris Young, the Rangers’ president of baseball operations and former MLB pitcher, remarked on deGrom’s exceptional skill and ease on the mound:
“I don’t want to take for granted how hard this game is because he’s making it look really easy. It’s precious when you get to see greatness like that.”
Likewise, rookie pitcher Jack Leiter praised deGrom’s talent:
“He’s an alien or something, I don’t know how he does what he does.”
Rangers catcher Jonah Heim noted deGrom’s confidence and fluidity:
“It doesn’t look like anything’s bothering him. It looks like he’s going out there free and easy and trusting his stuff, and it’s pretty fun to watch.”
Recovering from a Second Tommy John Surgery
DeGrom’s season got off to a strong start but was interrupted by Tommy John surgery in April 2023, his second such procedure; the first was in 2010 while he was still a minor leaguer with the Mets. Despite missing much of the previous season for rehab, he returned late in 2022 to make three brief starts for Texas. In 2023, he has already pitched more innings (106 1/3) than in the combined three seasons prior.
Rangers manager Bruce Bochy highlighted deGrom’s emotional and physical progress:
“I think as much as anything with Jacob, he’s just so happy that he feels good. The talent obviously is there. It’s a tough road. … Now he’s back having fun playing the game.”
Bochy added that the team is carefully managing deGrom’s workload, noting he has maintained rest periods of at least five days between most starts and is averaging around 86 pitches per outing. His only game exceeding 100 pitches this year was on May 21, when he threw 103.
Bochy also praised the efficiency in deGrom’s delivery:
“The thing about Jacob is it’s so effortless. Not a lot of stressful innings.”
Career and All-Star Achievements
DeGrom first gained recognition as the 2014 National League Rookie of the Year and made his All-Star debut in 2015 under then-NL manager Bruce Bochy. That game highlighted deGrom’s dominance, as he retired the side with just 10 pitches against batters Stephen Vogt, Jason Kipnis, and Jose Iglesias.
He earned three consecutive All-Star selections from 2018 to 2021, excluding the canceled 2020 midseason event. Notably, deGrom gave up a solo home run to Mike Trout in the 2018 All-Star Game but also pitched a perfect inning in the 2019 contest.
Following his back-to-back Cy Young-winning seasons in 2018 and 2019, deGrom faced ongoing injury setbacks, limiting his appearances. In 2020, he started 15 games with a 1.08 ERA but was sidelined midseason due to forearm and elbow issues. In 2022, a stress reaction in his scapula caused him to miss spring training, though he returned for 11 late-season starts, finishing with a 3.08 ERA before becoming a free agent.
Contractual Extensions Tied to Performance and Durability
The $185 million, five-year contract deGrom signed with the Rangers includes a conditional sixth-year club option for 2028. This option has been triggered due to time missed after his second Tommy John surgery, reflecting the team’s commitment to his long-term contribution.
The additional option year carries a minimum value of $20 million, which can increase to $30 million if deGrom finishes among the top five in Cy Young voting or reaches 625 innings pitched during the deal. Should he rank among the top five in Cy Young voting at least three times or accumulate 725 innings, the salary rises to $37 million.
The Road Ahead for deGrom and the Rangers
Jacob deGrom’s current season marks a crucial turning point after years of injury and uncertainty. His resurgence as a vintage All-Star ace gives the Texas Rangers a frontline starter capable of anchoring their rotation and making a significant impact in the American League. The careful management of his innings and health will be key as he aims to sustain this level of performance.
DeGrom’s ability to recapture his elite pitching form also carries broader significance for his career trajectory and the Rangers’ aspirations, signaling potential successes in the stretch run and beyond. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as he pursues further accolades and continues to defy the challenges that once threatened to derail his career.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How fast can Jacob deGrom throw?
A. Jacob deGrom recently delivered the fastest pitch of his career at 102.2 mph to Juan Soto, surpassing his previous high by 1 mph. After recovering from Tommy John surgery, the 36-year-old deGrom has pitched 87 innings with a 2.07 ERA. His ERA+ is 184, his Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) stands at 3.29, and he averages 9.1 strikeouts per nine innings.
Q. How fast does Jacob deGrom throw?
A. After his surgery, Jacob deGrom has an ERA of 2.33 over 10 games with the Texas Rangers. His fastball now averages 97 mph, which is less than his previous 98.9 mph average. DeGrom is focusing on accuracy and mixing his pitches to maintain his health.