Former New York Mets pitcher Jacob DeGrom is heading to the Lone Star State to pitch for the Texas Rangers. ESPN’S Jeff Passan reported, “Right-hander Jacob DeGrom has signed a five-year, 185-million-dollar deal with the Texas Rangers”. Passan also noted that there is a conditional sixth-year option that would take the deal to 222 million dollars, and there is a no-trade clause.
The 34-year-old pitcher who pitched nine years in the big apple won Rookie of the Year in 2014, has four All-Star selections, and is a two-time Cy Young Award winner.
How Good Is DeGrom?
DeGrom has been one of the best pitchers in the MLB over the past decade but has had some injury concerns over the last two seasons. He started a total of 27 games in the previous two seasons combined. However, different types of elbow, shoulder, and arm injuries kept him out for most of the past two seasons.
When DeGrom is on the mound, he is still an elite pitcher, and the Texas Rangers will try to hope that he can stay healthy and give the team the ace they badly need.
The Rangers finished fourth in the A.L West last year with a losing record of 68-94 after giving a boatload of money to their two middle infielders in free agency, Corey Seager and Marcus Semien.
The Rangers haven’t made the playoff since the 2016 season and have watched their in-state and division rivals, the Houston Astros, win two World Series since 2017.
Will The Rangers Regret The Decision?
DeGrom should be able to help the pitching staff, and when he takes the mound, you know you have a chance to win.
When you have a chance to get a pitcher like DeGrom, you have to spend the money and get him. But, of course, the injury history could be a concern, which is worth watching.
The Rangers started to go all in free agency last year when they signed Seager and Semien, so why not add one of the best free-agency pitchers this off-season and get you a chance to win ball games?
It will be interesting to see how this Rangers team will be in 2023. Hopefully, DeGrom can stay on the field, and the Texas Rangers can win meaningful baseball games again.
