Texas Rangers beat New York Yankees, Mets and Atlanta Braves to the signing of Jacob deGrom as they agree a five-year deal worth a reported $185m after free agent passed physical
Star pitcher Jacob deGrom has joined the Texas Rangers on a five-year deal, the AL West team announced Friday night.
The contract through to the 2027 season for the right-handed pitcher, who was in free agency, is worth $185 million, according to ESPN.
The report claims that the deal could be extended to a sixth year and includes a full no-trade clause, in what was a surprise acquisition. Mets rival the New York Yankees, who requested medical information last week, Atlanta Braves as well as his old team were all linked to deGrom this offseason.
Jacob deGrom has joined the Texas Rangers on a five-year deal after being in free agency
‘We are thrilled that Jacob deGrom has decided to become a Texas Ranger,’ Rangers Executive Vice President and General Manager Chris Young said in the press release.
‘Over a number of seasons, Jacob has been a standout Major League pitcher, and he gives us a dominant performer at the top of our rotation.
‘One of our primary goals this off-season is to strengthen our starting pitching, and we are adding one of the best.
The two-time Cy Young Award winner leaves the New York Mets after nine seasons
I also want to recognize our ownership group, led by Ray Davis, for continuing to provide the resources to build a winning culture here in Arlington.
‘On behalf of the entire organization, I welcome Jacob, his wife Stacey, and the entire deGrom family to the Rangers.’
The Rangers are not afraid to splash the cash with the franchise the biggest spenders in the off-season last year. Shortstop Corey Seager was handed a 10-year, $325m contract, while Marcus Semien joined on a $175m seven-year deal.
The two-time Cy Young Award winner leaves the New York Mets after nine seasons – the past two shortened by injuries.
When healthy, however, he’s been invaluable for the Mets, finishing last season with a 5-4 record with a 3.08 ERA, 0.74 WHIP and 102 strikeouts in 62.1 innings.
He finished last term with a 5-4 record with a 3.08 ERA, 0.74 WHIP, 102 strikeouts in 62.1 innings.
He helped the Mets reach the playoffs, then opted out of his contract to become a free agent.
In 2021, his stats were even better. His record was 7-2, with a 1.08 ERA, 0.55 WHIP, 146 strikeouts in 92 innings. Injuries to his shoulder, however, limited the number of appearances he could make, once again.
Texas announced the signing Friday night after the 34-year-old deGrom passed his physical exam. He will be presented at Globe Life Field next week.
Mets owner Steve Cohen sent his best wishes to deGrom, saying: ‘I wish him well. He has the right to choose his team. Now this team has to move on to the next thing.’
The Mets could now ramp up their interest in free agent pitcher Justin Verlander.
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