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One of the most surprising moves before next week's Winter Meetings was the g announced today by the Texas Rangers, that added to their bullpen one of MLB's most prized free agents: Jacob deGrom.
DeGrom, now a former All-Star right-handed pitcher for the New York Mets, signed with the Rangers for 5 years and $185 million, a source told MLB.com.
The Rangers have not confirmed the amount of the contract, but it is a fact that deGrom will significantly strengthen their bullpen.
Rangers add two-time Cy Young winner to roster
At 34 years old, deGrom is one of the jewels of his generation, having been a two-time Cy Young winner in the National League during his time with the Mets. In 2018 he upped his pitch velocity to 96 mph, and a year later he raised it even higher. In both years he took home the Cy Young.
Between 2018 and 2021, deGrom became a hitter's terror, as he averaged 12 strikeouts per game, and reached velocities up to 102 mph with his right arm.
Physical problems have plagued him
Beginning in 2020, deGrom began to have physical problems, which started with minor back and arm issues, but an elbow inflammation sidelined him the second half of 2021.
The following year, he suffered a stress reaction in his right scapula, and in his last four regular-season starts he had a career-high 6.0 ERA.
He won the National League Rookie of the Year award in 2014 and was a key piece, along with Matt Harvey, Noah Syndergaard, Zack Wheeler and Steven Matz in the starting rotation for the Mets to win the 2015 pennant.