Jacob deGrom, the right-handed starting pitcher now in his 12th MLB season and third with the Texas Rangers, recently chose to decline his spot in the All-Star Game. Known for his dominant pitching, deGrom was selected in the ninth round of the 2010 MLB Draft by the New York Mets and made his major league debut in 2014, earning the National League Rookie of the Year award that same season. Over his career, the 37-year-old has become widely regarded as one of the top pitchers of his era, winning two Cy Young Awards and leading the league in strikeouts during the 2019 and 2020 seasons.
DeGrom joined the Texas Rangers in December 2022 with a high-profile five-year contract worth $185 million. Unfortunately, his time with the Rangers began with challenges after undergoing Tommy John surgery to repair a torn UCL, which limited him to just nine starts over his first two seasons with the team. However, in 2025, deGrom has made a strong return to form, earning a selection to his fifth All-Star Game just last week.
Declining the All-Star Game to Manage Workload
On Friday, Jacob deGrom decided to forgo participating in the All-Star Game, easing the burden on Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy. Bochy expressed relief over this decision, emphasizing the need to carefully monitor deGrom’s workload as he continues his comeback from surgery. Jeff Wilson quoted Bochy saying,
“He’s been carrying a pretty heavy workload coming off the surgery. We want to monitor his workload this year. So, yeah, there’s a big relief for us.”
This decision ensures the Rangers can manage deGrom’s innings effectively while preserving his health for the remainder of the season.
Continued Excellence on the Mound
Through 18 starts this season, deGrom boasts an impressive 2.29 ERA, collecting 105 strikeouts in 106.1 innings pitched. His recent performance included carrying a no-hitter into the eighth inning during a 7–0 victory against the Baltimore Orioles, demonstrating that he remains a formidable force on the mound despite advancing career years. This level of play confirms that deGrom is back to his peak capabilities, providing a vital boost to the Rangers’ pitching staff.
Implications for the Texas Rangers’ Season
Jacob deGrom’s choice to skip the All-Star Game reflects a strategic effort by the Texas Rangers to prioritize his long-term health and success. With his extensive history of injuries and recent recovery, his ability to stay effective while limiting the risk of setbacks is crucial. Under Bruce Bochy’s guidance, managing deGrom’s workload closely could be key to maintaining stability in the Rangers’ rotation as they pursue competitive success going forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. How fast can Jacob deGrom throw?
A. Jacob deGrom recently pitched the fastest ball of his career, clocking it at 102.2 mph against Juan Soto. This speed is a whole mph quicker than his previous best. At 36, after returning from Tommy John surgery, deGrom has pitched 87 innings with a 2.07 ERA. Additionally, his adjusted ERA+ is 184, his Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) is 3.29, and he averages 9.1 strikeouts per nine innings.
Q. How fast does Jacob DeGrom throw?
A. After surgery, Jacob deGrom has a 2.33 ERA over 10 games with the Texas Rangers. His fastball now averages 97 mph, a bit slower than the previous 98.9 mph. DeGrom is focusing on aiming his pitches well and mixing them up to remain healthy.