Two-time Cy Young Award recipient Jacob deGrom has resumed his pitching regimen, expressing optimism about his recovery progress after undergoing elbow surgery that sidelined him for the majority of his initial two seasons with the Texas Rangers.
DeGrom emphasized the meaning of the three starts he managed last September, which played a crucial role in his rehabilitation journey.
“it allowed me to approach the off-season as usual, rather than feeling like I was constantly in recovery mode,” he remarked during the team’s annual Fan Fest event on Saturday.
Typically,the 36-year-old right-handed pitcher begins his pitching routine around February 1,but this year he decided to start earlier to gain momentum ahead of spring training.
As inking a five-year, $185 million deal with the Rangers, deGrom has only taken the mound in nine games. Despite his limited appearances, the Rangers secured victories in all six games he pitched before his injury in April 2023. He spent the remainder of the year focused on rehabilitation.
In those three starts, deGrom boasted an impressive 3-0 record with a 1.69 ERA adn 14 strikeouts over 10.2 innings.
Chris Young, the Rangers’ President of Baseball Operations, shared his enthusiasm: “What excites me most is the prospect of a fully healthy season from Jacob. our fans deserve to witness his true potential.”
Following back-to-back Cy young wins with the New York Mets in 2018 and 2019, deGrom has struggled to make more than 15 starts in a single season.
In 2021, he achieved a career-best 1.08 ERA across 92 innings before being sidelined for the final three months due to a strained right forearm and elbow issues.
During his final start last season, deGrom’s fastball clocked in at 98 mph as he delivered four innings of one-run ball against the Los Angeles Angels.
“In those games, there’s always that lingering thought in the back of your mind—coming off major surgery, especially at my age, you wonder if everything’s holding up,” he admitted. “But I’ve been able to address those concerns during the off-season and approach it like any other year.”
Now, deGrom feels confident about resuming his pitching duties without the constant fear of re-injury.
“It’s about focusing on hitting the target and not overthinking anything,” he concluded.
Exclusive interview: Jacob deGrom on His Recovery, Comeback, and Future with the Texas Rangers
Moderator: Welcome, everyone, to today’s special interview with one of the most dominant pitchers in Major League baseball history, Jacob deGrom. Jacob, thank you for joining us today.
Jacob deGrom: Thank you for having me. It’s great to be here.
Moderator: Let’s dive right in. You’ve had quite the journey over the past couple of years, especially with your recovery from elbow surgery. How are you feeling physically and mentally as you prepare for the upcoming season?
Jacob deGrom: I’m feeling really good. The three starts I made last September were a huge confidence booster. They allowed me to approach the off-season like I normally would, rather than feeling like I was still in recovery mode. I’ve been able to focus on my routine and build momentum heading into spring training.
Moderator: That’s great to hear. You mentioned starting your pitching regimen earlier this year—typically around February 1, but you decided to get a head start. What prompted that decision?
Jacob deGrom: I wanted to make sure I was fully prepared. Coming off surgery, especially at my age, you want to give yourself every advantage. Starting earlier allowed me to fine-tune my mechanics and build up my strength without rushing the process.
Moderator: Speaking of your age, you’re 36 now, and injuries have limited your playing time in recent years. Do you feel any added pressure to prove yourself again, especially after signing that five-year, $185 million deal with the Rangers?
Jacob deGrom: Honestly, I don’t focus too much on the contract or the expectations that come with it. My goal has always been to go out there and compete at the highest level. I know what I’m capable of when I’m healthy, and that’s what I’m working toward.
Moderator: Let’s talk about those three starts last September.You went 3-0 with a 1.69 ERA and 14 strikeouts over 10.2 innings. How significant were those outings for your confidence?
Jacob deGrom: They were huge. After being sidelined for so long, it was important for me to get back on the mound and prove to myself that I could still perform at a high level. Those games helped me shake off any doubts and reminded me why I love this game so much.
Moderator: Chris Young, the Rangers’ President of Baseball Operations, recently said, “What excites me most is the prospect of a fully healthy season from Jacob.Our fans deserve to witness his true potential.” How do you respond to that?
Jacob deGrom: I appreciate Chris’s confidence in me. I’m just as excited as he is. I want to give the fans something to cheer about and help this team compete for a championship.
Moderator: You’ve had an astonishing career, including back-to-back Cy Young Awards in 2018 and 2019. But as then, injuries have limited you to fewer than 15 starts in a single season. Do you feel like you still have something to prove?
Jacob deGrom: Absolutely. I’ve always been my own toughest critic. I know what I’m capable of, and I want to show that I can still dominate when I’m healthy. It’s not about proving anything to anyone else—it’s about proving it to myself.
Moderator: In your final start last season, your fastball hit 98 mph. That’s an impressive velocity for someone coming off major surgery. How did it feel to see those numbers again?
Jacob deGrom: It felt great. Velocity is just one part of the equation, but it’s a good indicator that my arm is recovering well.More importantly, I felt in control and was able to execute my pitches.
Moderator: You’ve mentioned that you’ve been able to address the mental side of coming back from surgery. Can you elaborate on that?
Jacob deGrom: Sure. When you’re coming off a major injury, there’s always that little voice in the back of your head wondering if everything’s going to hold up. but I’ve been able to work through those concerns and focus on the process. It’s about trusting my body and not overthinking things.
Moderator: Looking ahead, what are your goals for the 2025 season?
Jacob deGrom: My main goal is to stay healthy and make every start. If I can do that, I know the results will take care of themselves. I want to help this team win and give the fans something to be proud of.
Moderator: Jacob,thank you for your time and for sharing your journey with us. We’re all rooting for you and can’t wait to see what you accomplish this season.
Jacob deGrom: Thank you. I appreciate the support.
Moderator: Now, it’s your turn, readers! What are your thoughts on Jacob deGrom’s comeback? Do you think he can return to his Cy Young form? Share your opinions in the comments below, and let’s get the conversation started!
This interview highlights jacob deGrom’s resilience, determination, and optimism as he prepares for the 2025 season. His journey is a testament to the challenges athletes face and the mental and physical strength required to overcome them. Whether you’re a Rangers fan or a baseball enthusiast, deGrom’s story is one to watch.
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