Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Jacob deGrom

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Jacob deGrom made an impact.

Jacob deGrom is a professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Texas Rangers in MLB. He previously played for the New York Mets. Known for his exceptional pitching abilities and dominant performances, deGrom has established himself as one of the premier pitchers in baseball. His career is marked by high velocity fastball, devastating slider, and overall command. He has won multiple Cy Young Awards, solidifying his place among the elite pitchers in the sport.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1901: Fastest pitcher since 1901

Jacob deGrom was the fastest pitcher to reach 1,700 strikeouts since 1901, achieving the milestone on May 4, 2025.

2008: First Stolen Base

In 2017, deGrom had the first stolen base of his career, becoming the first Mets pitcher to steal a base since Óliver Pérez in 2008.

May 2009: First appearance as a pitcher

In May 2009, deGrom made his first appearance as a pitcher for the Hatters.

2010: Selected in the MLB draft

In 2010, the Mets selected deGrom in the ninth round of the MLB draft.

2010: Drafted by the New York Mets

In 2010, the New York Mets selected deGrom in the ninth round of the Major League Baseball draft and he signed with the Mets. He was then diagnosed with a partial UCL tear.

2012: Pitched for Savannah Sand Gnats and St. Lucie Mets

In 2012, deGrom pitched for the Savannah Sand Gnats and the St. Lucie Mets, finishing the year with a 2.43 ERA.

November 20, 2013: Added to Mets 40-man roster

On November 20, 2013, the Mets added deGrom to their 40-man roster to protect him from the Rule 5 draft.

2013: Promotions to Binghamton and Las Vegas

In 2013, deGrom was promoted to the Binghamton Mets and then to the Las Vegas 51s.

May 12, 2014: Promotion to Major Leagues

On May 12, 2014, the Mets promoted deGrom to the major leagues.

May 15, 2014: MLB Debut

On May 15, 2014, Jacob deGrom made his Major League Baseball debut with the New York Mets.

2014: Improved Mechanics and Learned Curveball

During the offseason and beginning of the 2014 season, deGrom improved his mechanics, learned to throw a curveball, and had a 4-0 record with a 2.58 ERA in his first seven games.

2015: Postseason success

In 2015, deGrom started Game 1 of the National League Division Series, Game 5, and Game 3 of the NLCS and started Game 2 of the World Series.

June 18, 2017: First Major League Home Run

On June 18, 2017, deGrom hit his first major league home run at Citi Field against Joe Ross of the Washington Nationals.

2017: Agreed to $4.05 million salary

In 2017, deGrom and the Mets agreed to a salary of $4.05 million, avoiding an arbitration hearing.

2017: Opening Day Start Against Cy Young Winner

In 2019, deGrom started for the Mets on Opening Day against Max Scherzer, the 2018 Cy Young Award runner-up and the 2017 Cy Young Award winner.

2019: Contract Extension

In 2019, deGrom and the Mets agreed to a five-year, $137.5 million contract extension with an option for the 2024 season.

April 23, 2021: Career-High Strikeouts

On April 23, 2021, deGrom set a record for most strikeouts in the first four starts of a season with 50 and pitched a complete game shutout with a career-high 15 strikeouts.

2021: 2021 Season Stats

In 2021, deGrom had a 7–2 record in 15 starts, with a 1.08 ERA, 146 strikeouts, and 11 walks in 92 innings. He was also a finalist for the Silver Slugger Award.

2021: 2021 MLB All-Star Game Nomination

In 2021, deGrom was named to the MLB All-Star Game, marking his fourth career nomination, although he announced he would not participate.

2021: Injury and Placement on Injured List

On July 18, 2021, Jacob deGrom experienced tightness in his forearm during a bullpen session and was placed on the 10-day injured list by the Mets. Later, he felt soreness in his elbow, and an MRI revealed inflammation, leading to his transfer to the 60-day IL on August 20. He did not pitch for the rest of the 2021 season.

July 2022: Rehab Assignment with St. Lucie Mets

In July 2022, deGrom began a rehab assignment with the St. Lucie Mets, following a stress reaction in his right scapula. After two successful starts, he progressed to the Triple-A Syracuse Mets.

August 2, 2022: 2022 Season Debut

On August 2, 2022, deGrom made his 2022 season debut for the Mets against the Washington Nationals, allowing one run and striking out six in five innings.

December 2, 2022: Signing with the Texas Rangers

On December 2, 2022, deGrom signed a five-year, $185 million contract with the Texas Rangers.

June 6, 2023: Tommy John Surgery Announcement

On June 6, 2023, the Rangers announced that deGrom would require Tommy John surgery after suffering a torn UCL in his right elbow.

September 13, 2024: First Major League Start After Surgery

On September 13, 2024, deGrom made his first major league start in 504 days after Tommy John surgery, pitching against the Seattle Mariners. He pitched 3+2⁄3 innings, struck out four, gave up four hits, and allowed zero runs on 61 pitches.

May 4, 2025: 1,700th Career Strikeout

On May 4, 2025, Jacob deGrom pitched his 1,700th career strikeout in his 225th game. It was the fastest a pitcher has reached this milestone since 1901.