Former Mets ace Jacob deGromwho signed with the Texas Rangers earlier this offseason, took out an ad thanking the Mets and their fans.
DeGrom, who pitched for the Mets from his MLB debut in 2014 through the end of the 2022 season, inked a five-year deal with the Rangers worth $185 million after the Mets bid somewhere above $100 million but below $120 million on what would’ve been a three-year deal.
Here is deGrom’s full ad, which appeared in The New York Post:
“I can still remember the exact moment I stood on the Citi Field mound for the first time after getting called up in 2014. It was a moment filled with so many wonderful emotions that will always be etched in my mind.
“My family and I are forever grateful to the Mets for an incredible last 12 years and, most importantly, for believing in me. For giving me the opportunity to play the game I love at the highest level for all these years. There are so many people that I want to thank and recognize:
“Steve Cohen, Billy Eppler, the entire front office, managers, coaches, players, both past and present, bullpen catchers, trainers, clubhouse personnel, security staff, family room workers, kitchen staff, PR staff, photographers, stadium personnel, New York City police officers, TV personalities and journalists. Each and every one of you played such a vital role in our lives in New York. Beyond a working relationship, many of you became true, life-long friends to Stacey and me.
“To the New York Mets fans – your passion, devotion and unwavering support for me, from the very beginning, has been incredible. It is humbling and appreciated beyond words. Thank you for your dedication and for how kindly you embraced me and my family . It has been a true honor to wear a Mets uniform all these years. The New York Mets, the fans and the city will always hold a very special place in our hearts.”