Jacob deGrom has established himself as one of the most electrifying pitchers in Major League Baseball history. His combination of elite velocity, pinpoint control, and an almost otherworldly ability to rise to the occasion has produced a collection of performances that fans will remember for decades. From his early years with the New York Mets to his current tenure with the Texas Rangers, deGrom's career is a masterclass in pitching dominance. This article dives deep into his most unforgettable games, career milestones, and the legacy he continues to build despite a career interrupted by injuries.

Early Career and MLB Debut

Jacob deGrom was drafted by the New York Mets in the ninth round of the 2010 MLB Draft out of Stetson University, where he had transitioned from shortstop to pitcher. After progressing through the minor leagues—posting a 2.51 ERA across A-ball and Double-A in 2013—he made his highly anticipated debut on May 15, 2014, against the New York Yankees at Citi Field. In that game, he pitched seven innings, allowing only one run while striking out six batters and walking none. It was a sign of things to come. deGrom quickly became a reliable arm in the Mets rotation, finishing the 2014 season with a 9-6 record and a stellar 2.69 ERA over 140.1 innings. He was named the National League Rookie of the Year, a precursor to the many awards he would later collect.

His early success was built on a fastball that routinely touched 97 mph and a sharp slider. But what truly set him apart was his ability to refine his mechanics and add a devastating changeup, which would become one of the best pitches in the game. By 2015, he had already established himself as the ace of a Mets staff that would reach the World Series.

Peak Dominance: The Back-to-Back Cy Young Seasons

deGrom's peak from 2018 to 2019 is arguably one of the greatest two-year runs in modern pitching history. In 2018, he posted a 1.70 ERA over 217 innings, striking out 269 batters while walking only 46. Despite a record of just 10-9, his dominance was so overwhelming that he won the National League Cy Young Award unanimously. He became the first pitcher in MLB history to win the award with fewer than 15 wins—a watershed moment for how the award is evaluated.

He followed that up with an even more impressive 2019 season, posting an ERA of 2.43, a 0.97 WHIP, and 255 strikeouts in 204 innings. Once again, he won the Cy Young Award, becoming the 11th pitcher ever to win the award in consecutive years. His ability to maintain a sub-2.50 ERA across two full seasons while striking out over 12 batters per nine innings solidified his reputation as a generational talent. For detailed stats, check his Baseball-Reference page.

Why His 2018 Season Was Historic

The 2018 season was not just about numbers; it was about context. The Mets were a mediocre team that finished 77-85, and deGrom often received little run support—the team scored two or fewer runs in 15 of his 32 starts. He pitched 24 quality starts, yet his record was just 10-9. Cy Young voters recognized his dominance over his win-loss record, marking a pivotal shift in how awards are evaluated. His ERA of 1.70 was the lowest in the National League since 2005 (Roger Clemens, 1.87) and the lowest by a Mets starter since Dwight Gooden's 1.53 in 1985. His 1.70 ERA also led all of MLB, and his 0.91 WHIP was the best in the league. He allowed only 179 hits in 217 innings, the lowest hits-per-nine-innings rate (7.4) in the majors.

The Pitching Arsenal: How deGrom Overwhelms Hitters

To understand deGrom's memorable games, one must understand his tools. He throws a four-seam fastball that averages 99 mph and can touch 102 mph, a slider that sits in the high 80s with late break, a changeup that dives away from lefties, and a curveball he uses sparingly but effectively. His delivery is smooth and repeatable, allowing him to command all pitches in any count. During his peak, deGrom also adopted a more aggressive approach, attacking hitters with his fastball up in the zone and using his secondary pitches to generate swings and misses. His ability to elevate his velocity in high-leverage situations—often hitting 100 mph in the seventh or eighth inning—separates him from nearly every other starter.

What makes deGrom truly unique is the combination of velocity, movement, and command. His slider had a whiff rate of over 55% in 2019, and his changeup was nearly as effective. He often uses his fastball to set up his secondary pitches, making him incredibly difficult to predict. His career strikeout rate of 10.6 K/9 is among the best for any starter in history, and his ability to miss bats in any count is reminiscent of Pedro Martinez in his prime.

Most Memorable Games and Performances

deGrom’s career is filled with moments that leave fans and analysts in awe. Here are some of the most memorable, expanded with greater detail.

The 2018 Perfect Game Bid (June 17, 2018)

This game remains one of the most talked-about near-perfect games in recent history. On a Sunday afternoon at Citi Field, deGrom faced the San Diego Padres. He retired the first 27 batters in order, striking out 10 along the way. He did not allow a single baserunner through nine innings—an immaculate feat of control and deception. However, in the top of the 10th, with the score still 0-0, he allowed a controversial infield single to Padres shortstop Freddy Galvis. The call was debated—many thought the throw beat Galvis by half a step—but regardless, the perfect game was lost. deGrom eventually finished with 10 innings, 11 strikeouts, and a 1-0 loss in a game the Mets eventually won in the bottom of the 10th on a walk-off single. It was a performance of pure dominance, one that is still discussed as one of the greatest no-decisions ever. That game epitomized deGrom's 2018 season: brilliant pitching with zero run support.

2015 NLDS Game 1: 13 Strikeouts in a Playoff Debut

In his first career postseason start on October 9, 2015, deGrom took the mound against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Pitching opposite Clayton Kershaw, who was in his prime, deGrom was phenomenal. He struck out 13 batters over seven innings, allowing only three hits and one run. His fastball was electric (touching 98 mph), and his slider was practically unhittable. The Mets won 3-1, with deGrom outdueling Kershaw on the road. That postseason, he helped lead the Mets past the Dodgers, then the Cubs in the NLCS, and eventually to the World Series, where he started Game 2 (allowing 3 runs in 4 innings but taking a no-decision) and Game 5 (pitching 5 innings of 2-run ball). It cemented his status as a big-game pitcher.

The 14-Strikeout Opening Day (July 24, 2020)

In a shortened 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic, deGrom delivered a statement on Opening Day. Facing the Atlanta Braves, he struck out 14 batters over six innings, allowing two runs. His fastball topped 100 mph multiple times, and he broke the Mets' Opening Day strikeout record (previously held by Dwight Gooden with 13 in 1988). The performance reminded everyone that even at age 32, he remained at the peak of his powers. He finished that season with a 2.38 ERA and 104 strikeouts in 68 innings, leading the National League in strikeouts for the third straight year.

2021 All-Star Game: The Electric Inning

deGrom was selected to start the 2021 All-Star Game at Coors Field, the first Mets pitcher to do so since 2010. He faced the best hitters from the American League—Shohei Ohtani, Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and others—and delivered a perfect first inning, striking out both Ohtani and Guerrero Jr. (who was later named MVP). His fastball hit 101 mph and his slider had a remarkable spin rate. It was a brief but explosive showcase of his otherworldly talent on a national stage. Ohtani later called his at-bat against deGrom "the toughest of my career."

The 2022 Injury-Shortened Dominance

In 2022, deGrom didn't make his season debut until August due to a shoulder injury. But when he returned, he was arguably even more dominant. In 11 starts, he posted a 3.08 ERA with 102 strikeouts in 64.1 innings—a rate of 14.3 strikeouts per nine innings, the highest of his career. One standout start was on September 7, 2022, when he struck out 15 batters over six innings against the Pittsburgh Pirates, allowing just one hit. That game highlighted that even after significant health issues, deGrom's stuff remained elite. He followed it up with 13 strikeouts in 5 innings against the Marlins on September 13. His fastball was consistently hitting 101 mph, and his slider was devastating. He also started Game 2 of the 2022 NL Wild Card Series against the Padres, allowing 2 runs over 5 innings with 8 strikeouts in a losing effort.

2019 Season: Unmatched Home/Road Splits

While not a single game, deGrom's 2019 season deserves mention for its remarkable splits. At Citi Field, he was virtually untouchable: 7-0 with a 0.95 ERA, 0.64 WHIP, and 108 strikeouts in 85.1 innings. Opponents hit just .131 against him at home. On the road, he was still very good (3.84 ERA), but his home dominance was historic. He allowed just one home run at home all season—a solo shot to Max Muncy of the Dodgers. This ability to dominate in a pitcher-friendly park made him nearly invincible on certain nights.

Career Milestones and Statistical Highlights

Beyond the memorable games, deGrom has accumulated numerous milestones that define his career:

  • Two-time Cy Young Award winner (2018, 2019)
  • NL Rookie of the Year (2014)
  • 4-time MLB All-Star (2015, 2018, 2019, 2021)
  • Led the National League in strikeouts in 2018 (269), 2019 (255), and 2020 (104 in 68 IP)
  • Career ERA of 2.52 (through 2024), the lowest among active pitchers with at least 1,000 innings
  • Over 1,800 strikeouts in just over 1,600 innings (career K/9 of 10.6)
  • Only pitcher to start an All-Star Game with a 100+ mph fastball
  • Signed a record five-year, $185 million contract with the Texas Rangers in 2022, one of the largest for a pitcher at the time
  • Lowest ERA in a season (min 200 IP) since 2005 with his 1.70 in 2018
  • Most strikeouts through first 100 career starts (927) until passed by Shane Bieber

For a comprehensive look at his career numbers, visit his MLB.com player page. For advanced metrics like FIP and SIERA, check his FanGraphs page.

Why His Strikeout Rates Are Unprecedented

deGrom's strikeout ability is not just about velocity; it's about the vertical and horizontal movement of his slider and the depth of his changeup. In 2019, his slider had a whiff rate of over 55%, and his changeup was nearly as effective. He often uses his fastball to set up his secondary pitches, making him incredibly difficult to predict. His career strikeout rate of 10.6 K/9 is among the best for any starter in history, and his ability to generate swings and misses in two-strike counts is second to none. His career strikeout-to-walk ratio of 5.4 is also one of the best among active pitchers.

Injuries and the Cost of Dominance

No discussion of deGrom is complete without acknowledging the injuries that have marred his career, especially after 2021. He has dealt with elbow, forearm, shoulder, and back issues. In 2021, he was in the midst of perhaps his best season (1.08 ERA, 0.55 WHIP over 15 starts) when a forearm strain forced him to miss the second half. In 2022, a shoulder injury limited him to 11 starts. After signing with the Rangers, he made only six starts in 2023 before undergoing Tommy John surgery in June, which sidelined him for the entire 2024 season. The Rangers had hoped to pair him with Jon Gray and young arms like Cody Bradford, but his absence was a major blow to their playoff hopes.

These injuries have prevented deGrom from reaching the 200-inning threshold consistently, which in turn has kept him from winning more Cy Young awards and from building the counting stats needed for a conventional Hall of Fame induction. However, his peak is arguably the highest of any pitcher in the last 20 years—comparable to Sandy Koufax's four-year run or Pedro Martinez's prime. For an analysis of his injury history, read ESPN's timeline of his injuries.

Legacy and Comparison to All-Time Greats

When comparing deGrom to other greats, the conversation often centers on his peak versus longevity. Pitchers like Clayton Kershaw, Justin Verlander, and Max Scherzer have much larger innings counts and award totals. But in terms of raw stuff and dominance over a short span, deGrom is in a class by himself. His 2018-2019 stretch stands alongside Bob Gibson's 1968 season or Pedro Martinez's 1999-2000 run. Among pitchers with at least 1,000 innings, deGrom's career ERA+ (adjusted for park and league) is 143, tied with Sandy Koufax and behind only the all-time greats like Mariano Rivera and Pedro Martinez.

His impact on the game goes beyond statistics. He popularized the idea that a pitcher can be valued solely on his ability to prevent runs, regardless of win-loss record. The 2018 Cy Young voting—where he won unanimously despite a 10-9 record—changed the way fans and media think about pitcher evaluations. He also inspired a generation of young pitchers to focus on velocity and spin rates, contributing to the modern high-strikeout era. His influence on the game is seen in the way teams now prioritize stuff over innings.

Many baseball analysts consider deGrom the best pure pitcher of his generation. When he is healthy, there is no one else with his combination of velocity, movement, and command. For a deeper look at how his peak ranks historically, check his FanGraphs page for WAR and advanced metrics like SIERA and FIP. His career FIP (Fielding Independent Pitching) of 2.46 is the lowest among all starting pitchers since 1900 with at least 1,500 innings—a testament to his utter dominance when factoring out defense.

Jacob deGrom with the Texas Rangers: A New Chapter

In December 2022, deGrom signed a five-year, $185 million contract with the Texas Rangers, signaling a new phase of his career. The Rangers hoped to pair him with young star Jon Gray and eventually with other arms to build a championship rotation. In his limited starts in 2023, deGrom showed flashes of his old form, posting a 2.67 ERA over 30.1 innings with 45 strikeouts and a 0.76 WHIP. He allowed 2 or fewer runs in all six starts. However, elbow issues required Tommy John surgery on June 12, 2023, and he will not pitch in 2024. The Rangers will look to him as a key piece for their 2025 and beyond seasons if he can recover fully.

Despite the injuries, deGrom's competitive spirit and work ethic remain intact. His rehab progress is closely watched by fans and analysts alike. If he can return to even 80% of his peak form—say, a 3.00 ERA with 10 K/9—he could still impact the postseason race for Texas. The Rangers have shown patience, and the front office believes in his ability to come back strong at age 37 (2025). For a detailed look at his recovery timeline, see this article from The Athletic.

Conclusion: The Enduring Legend of Jacob deGrom

Jacob deGrom's career is a fascinating mix of historic highs and frustrating injuries. His most memorable games—the perfect game bid, the 13-strikeout playoff debut, the electric All-Star inning, the 2020 Opening Day record—serve as chapters in a story of what could have been a Cooperstown-caliber career if not for health setbacks. But those games are also enough to ensure his place in the hearts of baseball fans. He is a reminder that greatness is not solely measured by counting stats but by moments of unassailable brilliance. Whether he returns to dominance in Texas or not, deGrom's legacy as one of the most dominant pitchers in the modern era is secure. When you talk about the very best to ever throw a baseball, the name Jacob deGrom is rightfully in that conversation.