The Texas Rangers made a huge statement over the weekend, signing free agent pitcher Jacob deGrom to a five-year, $185 million contract with an option for a sixth season.
It’s a sizable investment for a pitcher in his mid-30s and with a checkered (especially recently) injury history.
However, there is no denying that whenever he is on the mound, deGrom makes a huge difference.
The highest ERA he has in a season is 3.53 in 2017.
That’s his worst season!
Texas wants to open its contention window and made it clear in recent weeks that they want to do it this year.
Last year, they brought in Marcus Semien, Corey Seager, Martin Perez, and Jon Gray.
This year, they hired World Series-winning manager Bruce Bochy and are beefing up their coaching staff.
Now, they secured deGrom.
With each move they make, they move closer to contention, although they might not be quite there yet.
Still, getting deGrom is quite a way to kick off their offseason.
Here are the details of his deal.
“Jacob deGrom, Rangers: $185,000,000/5+A. 2023-2027, opt 2028. $30,000,000 – 2023; $40,000,000 – 2024; $40,000,000 – 2025; $38,000,000 – 2026; $37,000,000 – 2027. Conditional Club option 2028 for $20,000,000. Can increase to $30M or $37M based on IP and Cy Young finishes,” MLB insider Jon Heyman tweeted.
Jacob deGrom, Rangers
$185,000,000/5+A. 2023-2027 opt 2028$30,000,000 – 2023
$40,000,000 – 2024
$40,000,000 – 2025
$38,000,000 – 2026
$37,000,000 – 2027Conditional Club option 2028 for $20,000,000. Can increase to $30M or $37M based on IP and Cy Young finishes
— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) December 5, 2022
A Hefty Contract For A Very Talented Hurler
The 2024 and 2025 seasons will represent a career-high in salary for the star pitcher who owns a career 2.52 ERA.
That’s the price you pay for a two-time Cy Young winner who has the talent to take over games when healthy.
Health will be the key to his season, precisely.
He pitched 92 innings in 2021 and 64.1 in 2022, far from a full starter’s workload.
The Rangers are hoping he can be much closer to 150 or 160 this time.
That would represent a huge boost to their chances to compete.
NEXT: Does Jacob DeGrom Make The Rangers A Serious Contender?