Jacob deGrom is stuck just watching this Rangers ALCS run

ARLINGTON, Texas — Jacob deGrom, amidst his mental gymnastics, yearns to be back on the mound, doing what he loves. However, four months after his second Tommy John surgery, he can only offer advice and cheerlead from the sidelines. His recovery progress is encouraging: he has regained full range of motion and is nearing the stage of more extensive upper-body exercises. Throwing is just around the corner, with plans to be on a mound during spring training.

Typically, recovery from a revision surgery takes 14-18 months. However, deGrom’s previous Tommy John surgery in 2010 has given him hope that he may return sooner; doctors estimate next August as a possible target. “My arm feels pretty close to normal already,” deGrom reports confidently.

The Texas Rangers took a calculated risk when signing deGrom for five years and $185 million, despite his recent injury history. In the past three seasons, deGrom has only made 32 starts combined, the same number as Zack Wheeler in just this year. Now, deGrom faces the prospect of missing most, if not all, of the 2024 season due to his latest setback.

Beyond the timeline of his recovery, deGrom must also consider his age and style of play. At 35, no other starter consistently throws with his velocity. He acknowledges that he may have to adjust his style and tone down his fastball and slider. However, he still believes he can perform at a high level and maintain his competitive fire. Even while sidelined, deGrom has witnessed the Texas Rangers make the playoffs for the first time since 2016 and secure seven postseason victories. He remains determined to contribute to the team’s success.

Many speculated deGrom’s dissatisfaction with the New York Mets prompted his move to Texas. However, he denies these claims, stating that he simply wants to pitch and focus on improving after each game. Although he concedes that the lifestyle and pace of Texas suits him better, he was never upset with his team-friendly contract extension with the Mets. In fact, he acknowledges that it was a life-changing amount of money.

As he gazes out at the field and the Globe Life mound, deGrom envisions his return and the possibility of playing long enough for the legendary Nolan Ryan to witness his success.