The Texas Rangers have made a huge splash in free agency. Star pitcher Jacob deGrom has signed a five-year, $185 million deal according to ESPN's Jeff Passan.
OFFICIAL: We've signed RHP Jacob deGrom to a 5-year contract. pic.twitter.com/GXHFaOa6m9
— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) December 3, 2022
Jacob deGrom's time as a New York Met has come to an end. In nine seasons with the club, deGrom was named rookie of the year, became a four-time All-Star, and a back-to-back Cy Young winner. He leaves behind a legacy as one of the best pitchers in Mets history and one of its greatest players.
11/13/2019 Jacob deGrom wins his second consecutive Cy Young Award. He becomes the eleventh pitcher in MLB history to win the award in back-to-back seasons. pic.twitter.com/755EkpAo06
— This Day in Mets History (@NYMhistory) November 13, 2022
DeGrom will be leaving the Big Apple for the Lone Star state to help turn around a franchise. He'll be joining All-Star pitcher Martín Peréz in a starting rotation that could use the improvement. Outside of Peréz, the starters didn't have a winning record or an ERA below four. DeGrom will bring veteran leadership and experience to one of the worst pitching groups in the league. Last year, the Rangers ranked 22nd in earned runs at 4.22 per game.
Whichever team signed deGrom was certainly going to factor injury risk. Over the past two seasons, deGrom has only played in 26 games. During that time he's had to manage lingering injuries and setbacks in recovery. However, when he is healthy, the 34-year-old is arguably the best pitcher in baseball.
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