Here are the latest updates on Jacob deGrom as the former New York Mets ace navigates free agency after opting out of his contract following the World Series. BUY MLB TICKETS: STUBHUB, VIVID SEATS, TICKETSMARTER, TICKETMASTER UPDATE (12:24 p.m.): SNY reports “The Yankees recently requested medical information on deGrom, according to a league source. The Yankees are just the fourth team, including the Mets, known to express interest.” The others are the Atlanta Braves and Texas Rangers, according to SNY. “A league source said that a fifth team also recently requested deGrom’s medicals, but that club is unlikely to pursue him.
![]()
Friday marked the end of an era for the New York Mets, when longtime ace and two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom signed a five-year contract with the Texas Rangers.
deGrom, who turns 35 next season, reached free agency after a nine-year stint with the Amazin's that included a Rookie of the Year nod in 2014, four All-Star appearances, a trip to the World Series in 2015, and the two Cys.
So, it's not a stretch to say deGrom claimed his place as the second-best starter in franchise history, after only the immortal Tom Seaver.
Though deGrom's availability in recent seasons was drastically limited due to injury, he was still extremely effective when healthy.
The hunt to secure starting pitching could turn into a battle between New York’s two clubs this offseason. The New York Mets and the New York Yankees are both looking to add to their rotation and have their eyes on some of the same talent. BUY MLB TICKETS: STUBHUB, VIVID SEATS, TICKETSMARTER, TICKETMASTER Two of those coveted pitchers are Jacob deGrom and Kodai Senga. Who will win them? Here’s what SNY’s Andy Martino says: “I don’t think the Yankees are signing deGrom or Senga. That’s the feeling I have from reporting. I think the Mets can end up with them both. I don’t think the Yankees are going to sign either of those players, and I’ll leave it at that.
![]()
His foray into free agency put the Mets in a difficult position, knowing he was likely seeking a massive contract even though all indications suggested that to do so would be paying in part for past performance.
For Mets fans, deGrom's departure is obviously an emotional occasion.
His transformation from relatively unheralded prospect out of tiny Stetson University into one of the game's most dominant pitchers delighted the Citi Field faithful for the better part of a decade.
On social media, the news of deGrom inking a lucrative deal that far exceeded the prognostications of most experts was met with a wide range of responses from the fans and journalists who follow the team closely.
The Mets went 65-37 until deGrom returned on August 2nd.
What happens if Yankees don’t re-sign Aaron Judge? MLB insider pitches Brian Cashman’s backup plan
As goes Aaron Judge, so go the New York Yankees. The free-agent outfielder is the linchpin to general manager Brian Cashman’s offseason plans. If he re-signs the slugger, Cashman won’t have much money left to address other needs like a third outfielder and help for the bullpen. BUY MLB TICKETS: STUBHUB, VIVID SEATS, TICKETSMARTER, TICKETMASTER If Judge decides to head west, Cashman will have a big hole to fill in the lineup and a boatload of money to make it happen.
![]()
They can win without him. But it won't feel the same
— offseason olive (@Jolly_Olive) December 3, 2022
deGrom didn’t even allow Steve Cohen to make him a final offer. It’s not that Cohen didn’t want to spend the money, it’s that deGrom didn’t want to be here anymore.
— Lauren (@CalmYourMitts) December 3, 2022
I feel terrible for the Mets fan. You knew it was happening but it stings like no other. deGrom is a megastar. A legend. A show.
Having said that…
That contract is simply bonkers and insane. Illogical. Awful. That kinda guarantee for a pitcher who can’t stay healthy… wow.
— Adam Schein (@AdamSchein) December 3, 2022
Well, I can’t say I’m shocked that deGrom left, but after seeing his physical struggles over the past couple of years, it’s hard to blame the Mets for not going five years. The AAV was a little less than I figured but this sets up an interesting couple of months. JV, Rodon?
— Howie Rose (@HowieRose) December 3, 2022
It was a privilege to watch Jacob deGrom pitch as often as we have in a Mets uniform. One of the best of all-time when he was healthy. He got what he wanted with Texas, and I’m certain the Mets will find the right fit to replace him.
Taking a look at the Mets roster less than a week before Winter Meetings
The big dominoes have yet to fall, but with MLB winter meetings less than a week away, we might finally see more hot stove movement. This is the first offseason we could categorize as somewhat normal since 2019. Winter meetings were canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and last year they were canceled because of the lockout. As a result, the offseason has once again taken on a marathon-like pace. There have been a few big signings but the biggest free agents are still unsigned, including Mets’ ace Jacob deGrom and outfielder Brandon Nimmo. But that could change with the winter meetings set to resume Sunday in San Diego.
— Wayne Randazzo (@WayneRandazzo) December 3, 2022
deGrom was brilliant but so limited. Made 38 starts the last 3 years. Let somebody else give him those years and dollars. @Mets smart to walk away.
— Mike Francesa (@MikeFrancesa) December 3, 2022
Anyone blaming Steve Cohen or Billy Eppler for Jacob deGrom leaving is doing it wrong
DeGrom didn’t want to be here
That hurts if you’re a Mets fan, but that’s what it is
— Danny Abriano (@DannyAbriano) December 3, 2022
Jacob deGrom had a chance to be this era's Tom Seaver and a rare player to spend his entire career with one team.
Many will congratulate him on a massive deal but I can't help but think Cohen would have matched it.
I will always cherish the memories. But what the hell, Jake.
— Stephen Josiah (@StephenJosiah13) December 3, 2022
You know what deGrom's departure means for the Mets? They don't have any reason not to re-sign Brandon Nimmo.
— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) December 3, 2022
He didn’t seem happy here for two years. https://t.co/KgzAJVQjcg
— Zach Braziller (@NYPost_Brazille) December 3, 2022
Well then. Long love deGrom, and thanks for the memories. But now more than ever, #LFGM
Rangers' Signing of deGrom Changes AL West Landscape
The Houston Astros' AL West rival Texas Rangers just signed starter Jacob deGrom, effectively changing the divisional landscape with one move. The Texas Rangers just signed starting pitcher Jacob deGrom to a five-year, $185 million deal on Friday evening. The move by itself in a vacuum doesn't change much, but when combined with last offseason's signings of Marcus Semien and Corey Seager, it spells a changing landscape in the American League West.Signing the most talented pitcher in baseball for five years, despite injury history, shows a shift in the Rangers' philosophy towards contention.
— Dan Rivkin (@rivkin) December 3, 2022
The Mets need to move on from Jacob deGrom the only way they know how, by leaking to the media that he parties too much.
— Ted Berg (@OGTedBerg) December 3, 2022
Can’t talk now Jacob deGrom just broke up with me
— Sam (@iamSAMazing) December 3, 2022
deGrom signed with a team where players go to die. God Bless him and best of luck.,
— W E S (@MetsWes) December 3, 2022
LISTEN on the Audacy App
Sign Up and Follow Audacy Sports
Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Rangers Make Room for Andrew Heaney .
The Texas Rangers designated a young reliever for assignment and signed three players to minor-league deals on Friday. The Texas Rangers made the signing of pitcher Andrew Heaney official on Friday, making a corresponding move to get Heaney on the 40-man roster. To make room, the Rangers designated pitcher A.J. Alexy for assignment. The Rangers also signed three players to minor-league contracts — catcher David Garcia, left-handed pitcher Lucas Jacobsen and right-handed pitcher Nick Snyder.