The Baseball Scholar

Jacob deGrom is considered one of the most dominant and transformative pitchers in the history of Major League Baseball. A player who has redefined what it means to be an ace in the modern game, deGrom’s combination of velocity, movement, and pitching intelligence has made him a household name. Known for his overpowering fastball, devastating slider, and unflappable demeanor on the mound, deGrom has established himself as one of the best pitchers of his generation. His career has been marked by multiple Cy Young Awards, dominance over opposing batters, and his ability to excel in high-pressure situations. While injuries have interrupted what could have been an even greater career, deGrom’s impact on the game has been undeniable, and his legacy as one of the greatest pitchers of his era is already well-established.

Jacob Anthony deGrom was born on June 19, 1988, in DeLand, Florida. Growing up in the small town in Central Florida, deGrom played baseball from a young age and was a standout athlete in high school. He attended Calvary Christian Academy in Ormond Beach, where he excelled as a pitcher, but it wasn’t until later in his career that his extraordinary potential would fully manifest. DeGrom was drafted by the New York Mets in the ninth round of the 2010 MLB Draft, a pick that would later be viewed as one of the best in the team’s history. Before that, he had attended Stetson University, where he played college baseball and worked to refine his pitching skills.

At Stetson University, deGrom initially played as a shortstop before transitioning to a full-time pitcher in his junior year. This shift would prove to be crucial in his development as a professional pitcher. Although deGrom was already an impressive athlete, his decision to focus solely on pitching would unlock his potential. At Stetson, he caught the attention of scouts with his raw stuff, notably his fastball that could touch 95 miles per hour and his ability to throw strikes consistently. His development into a full-time pitcher during his collegiate career allowed him to rapidly progress in the Mets’ system, although he still had much to learn.

DeGrom made his professional debut in the minor leagues after being drafted by the Mets. He started in the organization’s low-level affiliates and quickly rose through the ranks due to his impressive fastball, which consistently touched the upper 90s, and his rapidly improving secondary pitches. By the time he reached the major leagues in 2014, deGrom had become one of the Mets’ top prospects. His call-up marked the beginning of an exceptional career that would see him become a dominant force on the mound.

DeGrom made his MLB debut on May 15, 2014, against the New York Yankees. Though his first few starts were solid, it was in his sixth start, on June 17, 2014, that deGrom truly announced himself as a future ace. In that game, he shut out the Atlanta Braves over seven innings, striking out six and walking just one. By the end of his rookie season, deGrom had solidified his place in the rotation. He finished the 2014 campaign with a 9-6 record, a 2.69 ERA, and 144 strikeouts over 140.1 innings. His performance earned him the 2014 National League Rookie of the Year Award, and he quickly became the face of the Mets’ pitching staff.

What set deGrom apart from many young pitchers at the time was not only his electric stuff but his ability to command the strike zone and remain calm under pressure. His fastball, which had once topped out at 95 mph, now routinely reached 98 mph, and he had developed a devastating slider that made opposing batters swing and miss with regularity. His ability to mix his pitches, combined with his pinpoint accuracy and poise on the mound, allowed him to dominate hitters across the National League.

In 2015, deGrom took his game to the next level, cementing himself as one of the best pitchers in baseball. That season, he posted a 14-8 record with a 2.54 ERA and 205 strikeouts in 191 innings. His performance helped lead the Mets to the postseason for the first time in nine years. In the National League Championship Series (NLCS) against the Chicago Cubs, deGrom showcased his ability to shine on the biggest stage. In Game 1, he pitched seven dominant innings, allowing just two earned runs and striking out 13. His performance was a key factor in the Mets’ run to the World Series that year, although they ultimately lost to the Kansas City Royals in five games.

DeGrom’s 2015 campaign marked a turning point in his career, as he solidified his status as a bona fide ace. His strikeout rate was among the highest in the league, and his ability to generate swings and misses continued to improve. The following year, 2016, would further cement his reputation as one of the elite pitchers in the game, as he earned his first All-Star selection and finished the season with a 3.04 ERA and 168 strikeouts. However, his performance in the postseason that year was also critical, as he helped the Mets reach the National League Wild Card Game, although they were ultimately defeated by the San Francisco Giants.

The best years of deGrom’s career, however, would come in 2017, 2018, and 2019. In 2017, he had one of his best seasons yet, posting a 15-10 record with a 3.53 ERA and 239 strikeouts in 201.1 innings. The following season, he emerged as the dominant pitcher in baseball, winning his first Cy Young Award. DeGrom’s 2018 performance was nothing short of historic. He finished the season with a 1.70 ERA, the lowest in the majors, and led the league in strikeouts with 269. Despite a lack of offensive support from the Mets, who finished the season below .500, deGrom’s individual performance was unparalleled. He won his second Cy Young Award in 2019, a season in which he posted a 2.43 ERA and once again struck out 255 batters, further solidifying his reputation as one of the best pitchers of his era.

What made deGrom’s accomplishments even more impressive during these years was the consistency with which he performed at the highest level. His ability to maintain such dominance over a sustained period, even in seasons where the Mets’ offense struggled, was a testament to his exceptional skill and mental fortitude. He routinely went deep into games, often surpassing the 100-pitch mark by the seventh or eighth inning, and he became known for his unshakeable focus and calm demeanor under pressure.

DeGrom’s impact on the game goes beyond his pitching statistics. He brought attention to the modern evolution of pitching, where velocity and strikeouts have become a focal point. His command of the strike zone, coupled with his ability to miss bats, made him a standout in an era dominated by hard-throwing pitchers. Additionally, his physical durability allowed him to remain effective well into his 30s, further cementing his place among the elite pitchers of his generation. DeGrom became a symbol of what modern pitching could look like, with an emphasis on pitch design, velocity, and movement.

However, injuries began to hinder deGrom’s career in the later stages of his time with the Mets. He faced a series of setbacks, including issues with his elbow and shoulder, which limited his innings and led to extended absences from the mound. Despite these challenges, deGrom remained one of the most effective pitchers in baseball when healthy, continuing to display dominance even during his periodic returns. In 2021, he posted a remarkable 1.08 ERA over 92 innings before a series of injuries ultimately led to him being sidelined for the remainder of the season.

Throughout his career, deGrom’s influence on the game has been profound. His rise to superstardom has made him one of the most recognizable pitchers in MLB, and his dominance has inspired a new generation of young pitchers who seek to emulate his combination of power, precision, and control. The way he transformed his fastball into one of the most feared pitches in baseball, coupled with his devastating secondary offerings, has made him a model for modern pitching development.

Beyond his individual accomplishments, deGrom has also been an exemplary figure in the community, using his platform to support various charitable initiatives and youth programs. His reputation for being humble, focused, and committed to the game has earned him respect not only among fans but also among his peers.

As of now, deGrom’s legacy is still being written, but his impact on baseball is undeniable. His remarkable statistics—two Cy Young Awards, a career ERA of under 2.5 in some of his best years, and multiple strikeout titles—place him among the best pitchers of his generation. His career has been one of dominance, consistency, and excellence, and as he continues to recover and contribute to the game, it’s clear that his place in baseball history is firmly secured.