A healthy Jacob deGrom could be an X factor for the Rangers

Texas Rangers starter Jacob deGrom is one of the most dominant pitchers in the majors when healthy.

Boasting a devastating five-pitch arsenal, deGrom has racked up 1,666 career strikeouts and 84 wins through 11 seasons in the majors. 

Unfortunately, a clean bill of health has been hard to come by for the two-time Cy Young Award winner. 

deGrom underwent his second Tommy John surgery in June 2023. That season, he watched from the dugout as the Rangers won the first World Series in franchise history. He remained sidelined during their unsuccessful title defense in 2024 before tossing a handful of innings late in the season.

Now healthy, deGrom is primed to lead the Rangers pitching staff this season. 

“I'm definitely excited,” deGrom said at Rangers Fan Fest in January, via Abby Jones. “So this was the light at the end of the tunnel I was seeing, and last year was moving toward that. This is definitely like Christmas morning. A feeling of like, ‘Hey, let's go see what we can do.’ I feel really good.”

deGrom signed a five-year, $185 million pact with the Rangers ahead of the 2023 season. Since then, he has been limited to just nine starts, though he has posted a 2.41 ERA in those 41 innings. 

This season, the Rangers are hopeful to have their ace on the mound more often. 

In January, Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young mentioned the game-changing ability that deGrom brings to the table. Despite his injury history, Young is hopeful that fans will get an extended look at deGrom in a Rangers uniform this season. 

“One of the things I'm most excited about is a healthy season from Jacob, and for our fans to see what that looks like and how good he is,” Young said at Rangers Fan Fest, via ESPN. “He’s just electric. Coming to the ballpark every day, knowing that he's pitching, knowing that we've got a great chance to win the game, it's an exciting feeling. And our fans truly haven't experienced that over the course of a season, and we're excited and hopeful that this is the year they get to see that.”

Fortunately, deGrom is on pace to be ready for Opening Day. Unlike the previous two years, in which he was rehabbing from Tommy John surgery, the 36-year-old starter has been able to train regularly this offseason.