American · Valdosta, USA · Born 19 June 1988American professional baseball pitcher known for his exceptional fastball and slider combination, winning back-to-back NL Cy Young Awards in 2018-2019.
Born in DeLand, Florida, Jacob Anthony deGrom grew up in a athletic family and initially focused on shortstop before transitioning to pitching during his college years at Stetson University. The New York Mets selected him in the ninth round of the 2010 MLB Draft, where scouts recognized his raw arm talent despite his relatively late conversion to the mound. DeGrom made his major league debut in 2014 and immediately established himself as a force, earning National League Rookie of the Year honors. His breakout seasons came in 2018 and 2019, when he delivered two of the most dominant pitching campaigns in modern baseball history. During this peak period, he consistently threw fastballs exceeding 100 mph while maintaining pinpoint control, complemented by a devastating slider that became virtually unhittable. His 2018 season featured a 1.70 ERA over 217 innings, followed by an even more impressive 2.43 ERA in 2019 despite receiving minimal run support from his team's offense. The right-hander captured consecutive National League Cy Young Awards in 2018 and 2019, becoming only the 11th pitcher to achieve back-to-back wins. His strikeout-to-walk ratios during these seasons ranked among the finest in baseball history, regularly exceeding 5:1. DeGrom's four All-Star selections and consistent sub-3.00 ERA throughout his prime years established him among the elite pitchers of the 2010s. He also played a crucial role in the Mets' 2015 National League pennant run. DeGrom's career has been defined by the rare combination of overwhelming velocity and exceptional command that few pitchers possess. While injuries have periodically limited his availability, his peak performance level represents the pinnacle of modern pitching excellence. His ability to maintain elite velocity deep into games while posting historically low walk rates has influenced how organizations evaluate and develop starting pitchers in the contemporary era.
Dominant pitching with exceptional velocity and control
How They Played
Power pitcher with elite fastball and slider combination
Lasting Impact
One of the most dominant pitchers of the late 2010s
Career Honours
- NL Cy Young Award (2018)
- NL Cy Young Award (2019)
- NL Rookie of the Year (2014)
| Team | Period | Games | Jersey |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York Mets | 2014–2021 | 203 | #48 |
| Texas Rangers | 2023–2024 | 533 | #48 |
American Athletes