Jacob deGrom was once the most dominant pitcher in baseball, winning two Cy Young Awards and establishing himself as the ace of aces. However, a string of injuries has derailed his momentum, leaving Texas Rangers fans wondering: Can deGrom return to his former greatness?
The Rise of an Elite Ace
Before injuries took their toll, deGrom was virtually untouchable. Drafted by the New York Mets in 2010, he quickly became a cornerstone of their rotation. His accomplishments include:
- 2014 NL Rookie of the Year
- Back-to-back Cy Young Awards (2018, 2019)
- Four All-Star selections
- A career ERA under 2.60
- A fastball consistently reaching 100 mph
Few pitchers in MLB history have dominated with such precision, velocity, and control.
Injuries That Changed Everything
Despite his dominance, deGrom’s body struggled to keep up with his talent. The past few seasons have been plagued with injuries:
- 2021: Right elbow inflammation cut his season short.
- 2022: Stress reaction in his scapula limited him to 11 starts.
- 2023: Tommy John surgery forced him to miss most of the season after signing a $185 million deal with the Rangers.
These setbacks have led to questions about whether deGrom can ever return to being the Cy Young pitcher he once was.
The Road to Recovery
DeGrom is no stranger to adversity, and his comeback plan is focused on gradual progress. His rehab includes:
- Strengthening his throwing arm through controlled workouts.
- Mechanical adjustments to reduce stress on his elbow.
- A cautious pitching schedule to ease back into competition.
The Rangers have invested heavily in their ace and are taking a patient approach to ensure his longevity.
Can deGrom Return to Cy Young Form?
A full return to dominance is uncertain, but there are reasons for optimism:
- When Healthy, He’s Unmatched – Even in limited 2022 action, deGrom posted a 3.08 ERA with 102 strikeouts in just 64 innings.
- Rangers’ Support System – Texas has built a strong pitching infrastructure, recently winning the 2023 World Series.
- Modern Recovery Methods – Advances in sports medicine give him a better shot at regaining velocity and endurance.
What to Expect in 2025
If deGrom stays healthy, he could be the key to another Rangers postseason run. Even if he isn’t throwing 100 mph on every pitch, his command and experience make him a dangerous weapon.
For now, Rangers fans will watch closely as their star pitcher takes the mound again, hoping for a return to Cy Young glory.
