Jacob deGrom is tuning into a new approach to his pitching, realizing that he doesn’t need to always pitch at peak velocity to achieve success. Now with the Texas Rangers, the former New York Met reflected on his time in the league and acknowledged that he might have relied too heavily on his fastball when he first started. With his fastball velocity dipping from an average of 99.2 mph in 2021 to 97.1 mph, deGrom has adapted his pitching style to ensure longevity given his history of injuries, including two Tommy John surgeries.
At 36 years old and amidst his 2025 season, deGrom already has more starts and innings pitched than in his first two seasons with the Rangers combined. He is incorporating more sliders into his game plan, accepting that a variety of pitches can lessen the strain on his elbow. By mixing in off-speed and curveball pitches, he aims to pitch smarter and more efficiently.
Despite facing challenges with injuries that have hindered his innings pitched since winning his second Cy Young Award in 2019, deGrom remains a highly regarded pitcher in his generation. His exceptional strikeout-to-walk ratio of 5.40 is unmatched among pitchers who have thrown at least 1,000 innings, solidifying his reputation as one of the best starters of his time, a sentiment echoed by peers such as Yankees superstar Aaron Judge.
Looking forward, deGrom’s careful recalibration appears to be paying off, as he currently boasts a 2.33 ERA with 62 strikeouts in 58 innings, supporting the Rangers’ rotation during a challenging offensive season. His story serves as a reminder that adaptability can lead to continued success even in the face of adversity, and the baseball community remains hopeful for what deGrom can still achieve on the mound.