What Happened to Jacob Anthony deGrom?
Jacob deGrom is a highly decorated American professional baseball pitcher, known for his dominant performances and significant injury setbacks. After winning two Cy Young Awards with the New York Mets, he signed a lucrative deal with the Texas Rangers in 2022, but his tenure has been marked by a second Tommy John surgery in 2023. He made a strong comeback in 2025, earning the AL Comeback Player of the Year award, but faced a minor setback with neck stiffness at the start of the 2026 season.
Quick Answer
Jacob deGrom, the two-time Cy Young Award-winning pitcher, is currently with the Texas Rangers. After undergoing a second Tommy John surgery in 2023 and a limited return in 2024, he had a successful 2025 season, making 30 starts and earning the AL Comeback Player of the Year award. As of March 28, 2026, deGrom was scratched from his scheduled season-opening start due to neck stiffness, though the team does not believe the issue is serious.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Drafted by New York Mets
Jacob deGrom was selected by the New York Mets in the 9th round of the MLB draft.
First Tommy John Surgery
As a minor leaguer, deGrom underwent Tommy John surgery to repair a partial tear of his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), missing the entire 2011 season.
MLB Debut with New York Mets
DeGrom made his Major League Baseball debut with the New York Mets.
National League Rookie of the Year
He was named the National League Rookie of the Year for his impressive performance in his debut season.
First Cy Young Award
DeGrom won his first National League Cy Young Award, leading the league in ERA.
Second Consecutive Cy Young Award
He won his second consecutive National League Cy Young Award, also leading the NL in strikeouts.
Signs with Texas Rangers
DeGrom signed a five-year, $185 million contract with the Texas Rangers as a free agent.
Announced Second Tommy John Surgery
The Rangers announced deGrom would require Tommy John surgery after suffering a torn UCL in his right elbow, ending his 2023 season. The surgery was performed on June 12.
Returns from Second Tommy John Surgery
After 504 days, deGrom made his first MLB start since his second Tommy John surgery, pitching 3.2 innings for the Rangers.
AL Comeback Player of the Year
DeGrom completed a full 2025 season with 30 starts, a 12-8 record, 2.97 ERA, and 185 strikeouts, earning him the American League Comeback Player of the Year award.
First Spring Training Start of 2026
DeGrom made his first spring exhibition start against Team Brazil as part of a gradual ramp-up for the 2026 season.
Scratched from Opening Start due to Neck Stiffness
DeGrom was scratched from his scheduled season-opening start against the Philadelphia Phillies due to neck stiffness, though the issue is not believed to be serious.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Jacob deGrom's career has been a remarkable blend of unparalleled dominance and persistent injury challenges. Drafted by the New York Mets in 2010, he underwent his first Tommy John surgery shortly after, delaying his professional ascent. He made his MLB debut in 2014, quickly establishing himself as a top-tier pitcher and earning the National League Rookie of the Year award. His peak came in 2018 and 2019, when he won back-to-back Cy Young Awards, showcasing an elite combination of velocity and command. However, starting in 2021, deGrom began to experience a series of arm and shoulder issues that limited his playing time with the Mets.
In December 2022, deGrom signed a five-year, $185 million contract with the Texas Rangers, a significant move aimed at bolstering their rotation. His highly anticipated Rangers debut in 2023 was short-lived, as he made only six starts before being diagnosed with a torn ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow. This necessitated his second Tommy John surgery, performed on June 12, 2023, effectively ending his season. Despite his absence, the Rangers went on to win the 2023 World Series.
DeGrom began his arduous recovery, returning to the mound for three starts at the very end of the 2024 season, pitching 10.1 innings with a 1.69 ERA. The 2025 season marked a significant comeback for deGrom. He successfully completed a full season, making 30 starts and pitching 172.2 innings, his highest totals since 2019. He posted an impressive 12-8 record with a 2.97 ERA and a 0.92 WHIP, earning him the American League Comeback Player of the Year award. This performance demonstrated his ability to return to an elite level after multiple major surgeries.
As of March 28, 2026, deGrom's health remains a primary focus. He began his 2026 spring training with a gradual ramp-up, making his first exhibition start on March 5. However, on the eve of his scheduled season-opening start against the Philadelphia Phillies, he was scratched due to neck stiffness. While the Rangers have indicated they do not believe the issue to be serious and he may pitch later in the road trip, it underscores the ongoing challenges of maintaining health for the veteran pitcher.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Jacob Anthony deGrom made different choices?