The Texas Rangers decided to make some noise by signing arguably the best pitcher on the free agent market in Jacob deGrom. deGrom began his MLB career by getting drafted in the ninth round of the 2010 MLB Draft to the New York Mets. deGrom would spend his first nine seasons with the Mets by going 82-57, ERA of 2.52, 1607 K’s in 1326 IP during that stretch.
In his career with the Mets, deGrom won Rookie of the Year, CY Young Award Twice and was a 4-time All-Star. deGrom’s contract with the Mets came to an end at the conclusion of the season, thus allowing him to test the Free Agent market for the first time, with the Mets hoping to re-sign him.
It was announced today, that the Rangers and deGrom have agreed to a contract worth five years for $185 Million, with a sixth-year option to bring the deal to $220 million, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN.
Texas Rangers make another huge splash by signing Jacob deGrom to a mega contract
It’s the first domino to fall in the offseason as many free agents start to agree to deals around the Winter Meetings. With the Rangers landing deGrom, it becomes the second offseason in a row where the Rangers made a big splash. Last season, they landed Corey Seager and Marcus Semien among others and now they signed Jacob deGrom, arguably one of the best pitchers in the game.
Now, the concern will be, can deGrom stay healthy? The Rangers are banking on it that he will, and if he can, this contract will look like a bargain, believe it or not.
The Rangers have long been linked to deGrom as the Rangers have come forward with trying to improve their pitching woes and they did!
In Chris Young We Trust! Chris Young did it again!
The Rangers aren’t stopping at Jacob deGrom, however. Expect them to be heavily involved with free agents, mostly pitching. The Rangers are far from done and while this is a nice start, it will be Interesting to see, where the Rangers go from here!
Next season is already looking nice for the Rangers by hiring Bruce Bochy, Mike Maddux and signing Jacob deGrom.