Jacob DeGrom: A Different Pitcher Than Before
The Jacob DeGrom that the Yankees faced recently wasn’t the same dominant figure who once ruled the mound. It’s true, this former Mets star has dialed it back considerably.
Once considered one of the most exceptional pitchers in baseball history, he’s now, well, trying to find a balance. He’s hoping to maintain a level of excellence without pushing his limits too far.
“I’ll see what’s best for me and try to stick to that,” DeGrom mentioned before his recent start against the Bronx Rangers.
This approach translates to more curveballs and changeups, stepping away from that infamous fastball-slider combo that once overwhelmed hitters.
He’s focusing on outsmarting the opposing team, avoiding unnecessary strain on himself—and his radar gun, for that matter.
During what many would call his most stellar season with the Mets, he consistently delivered performances that were hard to match. But injury troubles have forced him to adapt over time.
This past year, he faced challenges, with only 15 starts due to forearm issues and UCL inflammation. His final season with the Mets began late, in August, because of a shoulder injury, but upon his return, he showed flashes of old brilliance with a fastball averaging nearly 99 mph.
The Rangers, captivated by his potential, invested a whopping $185 million over five years, even with just 26 starts across two seasons to show for it.
In 2023, he managed six starts in Texas, averaging 98.7 mph on his fastball before his elbow gave out, necessitating a second Tommy John surgery.
Despite it all, he returned, though without trying to reclaim that top-tier velocity. Now, he’s more strategic, averaging 97 mph on his four-seamer, hoping that this thoughtful approach can preserve his arm’s longevity.
“Now, that’s just it. Just try hitting the gloves,” joked the 36-year-old.
The stats show he’s still elite—albeit in a different way. He’s recorded 53 strikeouts in 51 innings and holds a solid 2.29 ERA.
For all his adjustments, his legacy remains as one of the most striking pitchers in MLB history.
His peak seasons were historic, boasting a combined 2.05 ERA across 2018 and 2019, achieving remarkable strikeout rates.
Now, it seems he might be settling into a new kind of greatness.
“It’s like playing a video game,” said Kyle Higashioka, a current catcher for the Rangers. “Just put the glove there, and that’s where the ball goes, and it’s around 100 mph.”
Although he’s still hitting the high speeds, his pitch count has noticeably increased this season.
As of mid-May, he’d completed all his starts, gradually building what could be a Hall of Fame-worthy career—highlighted by an exceptional high while also battling vulnerabilities.
It makes one wonder what could have been if he had reached this mindset earlier.
“You can’t dwell on what-ifs,” DeGrom reflected. “I’ve always focused on winning every time I took the mound, and that hasn’t changed.”
“I was young back then and thought I could push through anything. Now, I feel smarter, and I want to keep pitching for a long time.”
The Rangers won’t make a trip to Queens until September, but DeGrom’s passion for the game remains intact.
His struggle with consistency is evident; he hasn’t exceeded 15 starts in a season since 2019.
Looking back to his early days in New York, he recalls his major league debut with nostalgia.
“Usually, I would just stay in an apartment when playing the Yankees. So, it felt different to stay in a hotel and take the bus for the first time,” he shared.
