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. Before joining the Rangers, he was a prominent player for the New York Mets. DeGrom is known for his exceptional pitching skills and has garnered significant recognition in the sport.
May 2009: First Appearance as a Pitcher
In May 2009, Jacob deGrom made his first appearance as a pitcher.
2010: Signed with Mets and Injury
In 2010, deGrom signed with the Mets and was later diagnosed with a partial tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his pitching elbow.
2010: Drafted by the Mets
In 2010, the Mets selected deGrom in the ninth round of the MLB draft.
2012: Pitched for Savannah Sand Gnats and St. Lucie Mets
In 2012, deGrom pitched for the Savannah Sand Gnats and St. Lucie Mets, finishing the year with a 2.43 earned run average in 19 games started.
November 20, 2013: Added to Mets 40-man roster
On November 20, 2013, the Mets added deGrom to their 40-man roster.
2013: Promoted to Binghamton and Las Vegas
In 2013, deGrom was promoted to the Binghamton Mets and later to the Las Vegas 51s.
May 12, 2014: Promoted to Major Leagues
On May 12, 2014, deGrom was promoted to the major leagues.
May 15, 2014: MLB Debut
On May 15, 2014, Jacob deGrom made his major league debut with the New York Mets.
September 15, 2014: Tied Major League Record
On September 15, 2014, deGrom faced the Marlins and struck out his first eight batters, tying the major league record.
2015: Game 1 of the National League Division Series
During the 2015 National League Division Series, he allowed no runs and five hits over seven innings pitched and tied a Mets franchise postseason record with 13 strikeouts.
June 18, 2017: First Career Home Run
On June 18, 2017, deGrom hit his first career home run at Citi Field against Joe Ross of the Washington Nationals.
2017: Salary Arbitration
In 2017, deGrom and the Mets avoided an arbitration hearing by agreeing to a salary of $4.05 million for the season.
2019: Contract Extension and Cy Young Award
In 2019, deGrom agreed to a five-year contract extension with the Mets and won his second straight Cy Young Award.
2020: Led National League in Strikeouts
During the shortened 2020 season, deGrom led the National League in strikeouts for the second consecutive season.
April 23, 2021: Record Strikeout Game
On April 23, 2021, Jacob deGrom set a record for the most strikeouts in the first four starts of a season with 50. He pitched a complete game shutout, had a career-high 15 strikeouts, and set a franchise record by lowering his career earned run average to 2.55.
June 6, 2023: Tommy John Surgery Announcement
On June 6, 2023, the Texas Rangers announced that Jacob deGrom would require Tommy John surgery after suffering a torn UCL in his right elbow, sidelining him.
September 13, 2024: Return from Tommy John Surgery
On September 13, 2024, Jacob deGrom made his first major league start in 504 days after recovering from Tommy John surgery, pitching against the Mariners.
2024: Lowest Career WHIP
As of the end of the 2024 season, deGrom has the lowest career WHIP of any starting pitcher in the live-ball era.
