Former Cy Young winner, Rangers ace returns to roots this weekend

Before he was dominating on a mound in Arlington, Jacob deGrom was a flamethrower with long, flowy hair pitching in Queens for the New York Mets. He looks almost unrecognizable to his current look but was showing what could be the greatest pitcher of a generation.

This isn't a normal homecoming for a player but is instead a return of an icon to where he began. There are only three pitchers in MLB (deGrom, Max Scherzer and Clayton Kershaw) that can stake a claim as a pitcher of the 2010s.

Mets fans adored deGrom for his long hair, blazing fastball, his incredibly hard breaking off speed and most importantly his domination on the mound. He wasn't just a fan favorite but a future Mets Hall of Famer.

How will his return be received?

There is certainly a lot of strong feelings about his exit from the Mets. It was unceremonious, quick and not expected. There were rumors there was a rift with him and the front office but the team was fresh off a 101-win season and had a rough wild card exit against the Padres.

He has not made a start against the Mets, let alone returned to Queens since he left. This is certainly going to be an ambush against deGrom since he is on the road team.

The Rangers enter on fire fresh off a sweep of the best team in baseball in the Brewers. They have all the momentum while the Mets have none of it. deGrom has also been a major reason for the Rangers success.

deGrom has had incredible numbers this year and the Mets have a below .500 record since May 1. Their 14-23 record since August is a sign that we could be in for something special while the Rangers push for a playoff spot.

What is the game shaping out to be?

With their struggling record and injuries, they have had to turn to younger rotation options lately. Jonah Tong, the Mets' No. 4 overall prospect, will be making just his third big league start opposite of the two-time Cy Young winner.

Mets fans certainly have the belief Tong can be of deGrom level. His stuff is electrifying and makes the deGrom return extra special. It is not every game that the dominant version of the past meets the face of the future in a contest with real stakes.

There will be a lengthy video package and a large roar whether positive or negative prior to the event. The stakes couldn't be higher for the Rangers as the push for the playoff spot in the American League will likely go down to the wire this season.

There will always be positive memories of deGrom among Mets fans. Whether it was either of the two Cy Young award winning seasons, his domination in the postseason, his rookie of the year run or many other things during his nine year run with the Mets.

This can't result in a loss for the Rangers as everything is a must win now. While there may be feelings between the Mets and deGrom, it is most important to remember what is at stake for the Rangers.