This news was expected but shocking. In full disclosure, I am a big New York Mets fan. I had heard all the rumors some more terrifying than others. The nightmare of DeGrom going to a division rival like the Atlanta Braves or across town to the Yankees or even to a super team like the Dodgers. Of course, early on even before free agency it was rumored the Texas Rangers were in on DeGrom. Unfortunately the news broke that Jacob DeGrom signed with the Texas Rangers on December 2nd at around 8:30pm.
He signed a 5 year 185 million dollar deal with a sixth year option bringing the total value to 222 million dollars. DeGrom has been dealing with a few injuries the past few years. So I was surprised to see him get 5 years. The AAV or money per season is about right for a starting pitcher of caliber, at about 37 million per season. What does it mean for the teams involved?
Well, for the Texas Rangers it obviously helps their starting pitcher rotation which really lacks depth past Martin Perez and Jon Gray. If DeGrom can stay healthy and make 30 starts then that’s certainly the best case scenario. The Rangers were 68-94. The consensus is they are still a few years away from really contending despite the signings of Corey Seager and Marcus Semien. The 5 year deal makes sense from this perspective. I think the risk is that DeGrom either gets hurt again or he isn’t himself similar to the end of this past season.
In the case of the New York Mets, there isn’t a way to replace the best starting pitcher in the world. His 43.8 career WAR is just one example of how great he is. According to sources, the Mets never got their final offer in. Also they weren’t eager to offer more 2 or 3 years. I honestly think in the long run it works out better. The New York Mets responded by signing a top tier starting pitcher free agent Justin Verlander as an immediate answer to losing DeGrom. Verlander accepted a 2 year 86 million dollar deal with a third year option. Be sure to check out Justin Verlander’s free agency profile posted after this on Saturday (December 10th).
All of this without looking at some impressive statistics is just lame. Not much analysis to be had because DeGrom is truly a generational talent. Just realize he’s a hall of famer and there may not be another Jacob DeGrom.
Career stats:
All the red you see in these charts is a good thing. DeGrom is really good. Honestly to me, I’m sad to see him leave my Mets. However, it doesn’t bother me he’s in Texas now. I understand its a pure business decision, for example Texas has no state income tax and New York has a lot of taxes. I do think its a little strange for the Texas Rangers to buy a “Bugatti” while they still live in a trailer. (Like the meme) I wish DeGrom the best of luck.
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Thanks to Baseball Reference and Baseball Savant for the statistics and charts!
Technically Analytics 