Jacob deGrom Dominates in First Start of 2025

Jacob deGrom dominated in his first start of the 2025 MLB season for the Texas Rangers. The Righthander made just his 11th start for the Rangers after securing a five-year, $185 million contract heading into the 2023 season. DeGrom needed only 73 pitches to get through 5 scoreless innings against a dangerous Boston Red Sox lineup.

“I wanted to go deeper knowing that the bullpen was taxed last night,” said deGrom, about March 29th’s win over the Red Sox. The former 2-time National League Cy Young award winner fanned 6. He allowed only 2 hits and 2 walks as the Texas Rangers defeated the Boston Red Sox 3-2. DeGrom didn’t record his first strikeout until the third inning. However, he retired the side on strikes in the fourth, showing off his slider to devastating effect.

DeGrom’s First Full Season Back From Tommy John

The former 2014  National League Rookie of the Year suffered a torn UCL in his right elbow on June 6th, 2023, that required Tommy John surgery. Despite his untimely injury, the Rangers would win the 2023 World Series. He returned in September of last season and made his first start in 504 days.

“It was nice, obviously, to be back out there and to go five,” deGrom said after his start on Sunday. “Build from there. Still got work to do.” Expectations are sky-high for the Rangers this season after a disappointing 3rd-place finish in 2024, failing to make the playoffs after winning the World Series the previous year. This was deGrom’s first start over 5 innings since April 23rd, 2023.

Bruce Bochy Stresses Patience with deGrom Moving Forward

“It was a really, really nice job by Jacob,” said Texas manager Bochy. “He got us to where we were hoping with five solid innings. He did his job and stepped up. He’s throwing free and easy.”  The Rangers have decided to take a patient approach with the two-time NL Strikeout leader this season.

Currently, the plan is for deGrom to stretch out to 6, possibly 7 innings in his next start. He’ll begin this year in the back half of the Rangers pitching rotation to keep him fresh throughout the regular season. DeGrom’s next scheduled start is on April 5th, when he’ll take the hill at Steinbrenner Field against the Rays.

Final Thoughts

Sunday was an encouraging first start for the 38-year-old starter. His stuff looked just as capable of fooling batters as it ever has. If the Rangers can keep his innings down before August or September, he should have just enough left for another playoff run. The Rangers next head to Cincinnati to play the Reds. The series starts on Monday, March 31st.