Jacob deGrom’s Path to Return: A New Approach for the Texas Rangers Ace

SURPRISE, Ariz. — Jacob deGrom, once a dominant force on the mound, is embarking on a pivotal stage of his career with a renewed mindset as he prepares for the upcoming MLB season with the Texas Rangers.

Mastering Control After Adversity

As deGrom stepped onto the diamond for his first live batting practice of the spring, he confronted a familiar urge: the drive to strike every hitter out. This fierce instinct once propelled him to achieve remarkable feats in baseball, accumulating accolades and financial success. Now, however, he understands that he must temper this desire. “Let’s not do that,” he reminded himself, prioritizing health over sheer dominance.

Reflecting on Past Triumphs

During his peak, deGrom showcased an unparalleled blend of speed, spinning ability, and accuracy. From 2018 to mid-2021, his performance was nothing short of extraordinary, earning comparisons to legendary pitchers. This dominance included an astounding 1.70 ERA over 217 innings in 2018 and back-to-back Cy Young Awards, bolstering his reputation as one of the best pitchers in the league.

Injury Struggles and Recovery Journey

However, deGrom’s career trajectory shifted dramatically when injuries began to plague him. After experiencing multiple setbacks, he underwent Tommy John surgery in June 2023 to repair his elbow. At 36 years old, he recognizes the critical importance of managing his arm Health to extend his career. Research indicates that sustaining a high-level performance post-third Tommy John surgery is rare, intensifying the significance of his approach.

A New Strategy for Success

With the Rangers, deGrom is adapting his pitching style. Instead of relying on overwhelming force, he aims for a calculated approach, evoking an evolution rather than a complete overhaul of his game. This strategy includes leaning toward inducing ground balls and managing pitch stress levels.

Reviving Old Skills with a Modern Mindset

Reflecting on his past performance, deGrom noted, “There were times where I hit 100 or close to it, but I think I sat around 96.” As he prepares for the season, he is diligently working on adjusting his mechanics to reduce strain while still harnessing his remarkable pitching capabilities.

Spring Training and Immediate Goals

DeGrom’s commitment to a thoughtful return was evident in his recent spring training debut against the Kansas City Royals. He showcased his potential by averaging 97 mph on his fastball and recording three strikeouts in just 31 pitches, demonstrating both his enduring talent and his new mindset.

Monitoring Performance and Stressful Innings

With a focus on sustainability, deGrom will closely monitor his performance throughout the season. He emphasizes the importance of differentiating between stressful and non-stressful innings, rather than adhering strictly to pitch counts. “You have those games where you go five innings, you have 75 pitches, but you’ve got runners all over the place…It’s like monitoring all of that and just playing it by ear,” he advises.

Looking Ahead

As he moves forward, deGrom’s ultimate goal remains clear: “Make as many starts as I can.” Acknowledging the challenges ahead, he intends to embrace an adjusted workload that prioritizes his longevity and effectiveness on the mound. The road to recovery is long, but with strategic adjustments and a renewed focus on health, deGrom is poised to reclaim his place among the elite in baseball.