Former Mets ace Jacob deGrom pushes back on narrative he wanted out of New York

Last October, Jacob deGrom showcased his talent, helping the Mets avoid elimination in Game 2 of their Wild Card series against the San Diego Padres. Little did he know, it would be his final start for the Mets.

Fast forward to today, and deGrom finds himself in the Texas Rangers’ dugout as his teammates take a commanding 2-0 series lead in the ALCS against the Houston Astros, with a World Series berth just two wins away. Unfortunately, the 35-year-old pitcher is unable to contribute due to his second Tommy John surgery earlier this year, cutting short his time with the Rangers.

Expressing his frustration, deGrom told Joel Sherman of The New York Post, “It stinks. I want to do what I love to do.”

During the offseason, deGrom made the decision to leave the Mets and test free agency. Eventually, he signed a lucrative five-year, $185 million contract with the Rangers. He even recommended Texas to Max Scherzer when the Mets’ pitcher was contemplating waiving his no-trade clause. Thanks to deGrom’s input, Scherzer joined him in Texas and is scheduled to start Game 3 of the ALCS.

Although deGrom admitted to being surprised by the Mets’ choice to become sellers after a successful 101-win season, he dismissed claims of becoming “withdrawn” or wanting to “escape New York.” He emphasized his love for pitching and his dedication to the game. In his nine seasons with the Mets, deGrom achieved a remarkable 82-57 record with a 2.52 ERA, earning the Rookie of the Year award in 2014 and two Cy Young Awards in 2018 and 2019.

While deGrom insists that being in New York didn’t influence his decision to join Texas, he acknowledged that the lifestyle and pace of life in the Lone Star State better suit his personality.

Both his injuries in New York and Texas have cast doubt on deGrom’s once-clear path to the Hall of Fame. With only 32 starts in the last three seasons and his age at 35, his future in the game remains uncertain. However, deGrom recognizes the need to adapt and possibly alter his pitching style as he navigates the latter stages of his career.

“I am getting a little bit older,” admitted deGrom. “I believe I can pitch at a lower velocity and summon extra strength when necessary. That is a prospect I have to consider. But when I spoke to Dr. Keith Meister, my surgeon, he said, ‘You guys are all wired the same. When someone steps into the batter’s box, you do what you do.’ I have some thinking to do, but when I’m out there, I want to give my all.”

If deGrom wants to solidify his Hall of Fame credentials and become only the third player to enter Cooperstown wearing a Mets cap, he must prioritize his health and finish his career on a high note.