Mets Manager Carlos Mendoza Reflects on Jacob deGrom’s Impact Ahead of Return too Citi Field
FLUSHING, NY – As jacob deGrom prepares to pitch at Citi Field for the first time as a visiting player, New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza emphasized the profound significance of the former ace to the institution and its fanbase.DeGrom, who made 209 starts for the Mets, returns to face his former team after departing in free agency following the 2022 season.
“He represented a lot and meant a lot to this organization,” Mendoza said. ”You’re talking about a homegrown player and what he was able to do while he was up here — he was an ace.You felt good about your chances every time he took the baseball. It was a show. This is a guy that people came to the ballpark to watch him pitch. Special.”
DeGrom’s nine-year tenure with the Mets began with a stellar 2014 rookie campaign, earning him Rookie of the Year honors. Drafted in the 10th round out of Stetson University where he played shortstop, he quickly established himself as one of baseball’s premier pitchers.
From 2018-2019,deGrom reached a peak,winning back-to-back Cy Young Awards. He posted a remarkable 1.70 ERA in 2018 and a 2.43 ERA in 2019, accumulating 524 strikeouts across 421 innings pitched. Remarkably, despite his dominance, his record during that period was 21-17, often hampered by a lack of offensive support.
Throughout his time in New york, deGrom compiled an 82-57 record with a 2.52 ERA (0.99 WHIP) and 1,835 strikeouts in 1522.2 innings. He was a four-time All-Star and consistently a top contender for both the Cy Young Award (finishing in the top 10 multiple times) and the MVP Award (with two top 10 finishes).
Injuries late in his Mets career, including a limited 11 starts in 2022, contributed to the team’s decision not to offer him a long-term, lucrative contract, ultimately leading to his signing with the Texas Rangers. That decision appeared prescient initially, as deGrom was limited to nine starts in his first two seasons with Texas due to injury.
However, the 37-year-old deGrom has remained healthy this season, continuing to showcase the form that made him a star for the Mets. ”You’re still looking at 98, 99 (mph) with the fastball,” Mendoza noted.
The Mets, currently struggling with a six-game losing streak, now face the challenge of containing their former ace. “He meant a lot to the fanbase and organization, but here we are today (hoping to) find a way to beat him,” Mendoza said. “… Its a tough matchup.”