Jacob deGrom Rediscovers His Dominant Form in a 2025 Season for the Ages
ARLINGTON, Texas — For Jacob deGrom, the 2025 season was more than a comeback. It was a declaration that one of baseball’s most electric arms still belongs among the game’s elite. After years marked by injuries and questions about durability, deGrom delivered a campaign that silenced every doubt and reminded fans why he’s long been considered a generational pitcher.
The numbers tell the story first. A 2.97 ERA, a 0.92 WHIP, and 185 strikeouts over the course of the year—each figure carrying the weight of excellence. Opponents hit a paltry .196 against him, often leaving the batter’s box shaking their heads after chasing a slider that darted like a phantom. For those who wondered if the two-time Cy Young Award winner could ever return to peak form, 2025 became the emphatic answer.
“He was relentless,” said Rangers manager Bruce Bochy. “Every fifth day he gave us a chance to win, and you could feel the energy in the dugout when he took the mound.”
The season began with caution. After elbow surgery that cost him much of 2024, deGrom entered spring training with a carefully managed workload. Yet by April’s end, the familiar velocity had returned, the fastball humming in the upper 90s and the trademark command intact. Each start built confidence—his own and that of a Rangers club eager to rebound from an uneven year.
His July outing against the Yankees crystallized the resurgence: eight scoreless innings, 11 strikeouts, and a standing ovation that seemed to last as long as one of his windups. “That felt like vintage Jake,” said catcher Jonah Heim. “You could tell early the fastball had extra life. When he’s like that, it’s a long night for hitters.”
Beyond the raw dominance, teammates pointed to deGrom’s presence as a quiet anchor for a pitching staff filled with young arms. He shared insights in bullpen sessions, broke down mechanics with prospects, and carried himself with the calm of someone who’s been through every peak and valley the game can offer.
“It’s not just the stuff,” said fellow starter Nathan Eovaldi. “It’s how he prepares, how he competes. You can’t help but learn from that.”
For deGrom, the season offered personal vindication. After signing a massive free-agent contract with Texas in 2023, injuries threatened to turn the deal into a cautionary tale. Instead, he turned 2025 into a redemption arc—one that may place him squarely in the Cy Young conversation once again.
When asked to reflect on the journey, deGrom downplayed the narrative. “I just wanted to stay healthy and give us a chance,” he said. “I love pitching. That’s all I focused on—one start at a time.”
As the Rangers look ahead, the thought of a fully healthy deGrom leading the rotation is tantalizing. His 2025 performance wasn’t merely a comeback; it was a statement that, even at 37, Jacob deGrom remains a nightmare for hitters and a cornerstone for a club intent on contending again.
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