Jacob deGrom – Texas Rangers Biography, Contract, Net Worth Information

Jacob deGrom stands out as one of baseball’s top pitchers, blending raw talent with a steady, almost relentless consistency. The Texas Rangers star kicked off his MLB career with the New York Mets, then made a bold move to Texas that really changed the course of his career.

Jacob deGrom currently has a net worth of $70 million and is playing on a five-year, $185 million contract signed with the Rangers in December 2022.

Born June 19, 1988, deGrom started out as a shortstop at Stetson University. He eventually transformed into one of the most intimidating pitchers in the game.

His path to the majors wasn’t exactly a straight shot, but once he got there, he took off fast. Now with the Texas Rangers, deGrom keeps showing off the skills that’ve made him a household name among baseball fans.

His contract pays him generously through 2025 and beyond, which says a lot about his value as an ace. Even though he’s faced some injuries lately, deGrom’s fastball and sharp control still make hitters nervous whenever he’s healthy.

His story is a real mix of physical talent and mental toughness—exactly what it takes to reach the top in baseball.

Early Life and Background

Jacob Anthony deGrom’s baseball journey started in DeLand, Florida, where he was born on June 19, 1988. Those early years in Florida shaped the disciplined, talented pitcher he’s become.

Family and Childhood

Growing up in the small community of DeLand, deGrom fell in love with baseball pretty young. The details about his family aren’t widely publicized, but there’s no doubt their support helped him chase his dreams.

Florida’s year-round baseball weather gave deGrom endless chances to play and improve. He stood out early, and his tall frame (eventually 6’4″) gave him a natural edge on the field.

His childhood in DeLand really laid the groundwork for his future, building up the work ethic and grit that define his approach today.

Education and Amateur Baseball

DeGrom went to Calvary Christian Academy in Ormond Beach, Florida. Back then, he played shortstop, not pitcher, and showed off his versatility.

After high school, he headed to Stetson University, where everything changed. Coaches spotted his arm strength and decided to move him from shortstop to pitcher.

That switch in college totally changed his future. His time at Stetson helped him sharpen his pitching and set the stage for what came next.

Childhood Dream of Professional Baseball

Like a lot of kids, deGrom dreamed of playing pro baseball. He learned the game through endless practice and games in Florida’s perfect weather.

Switching to pitcher in college didn’t slow down his pro ambitions—it actually opened a door he hadn’t expected. His hard work paid off big when the New York Mets drafted him in the ninth round (272nd overall) in the 2010 MLB Draft.

Getting picked that late wasn’t ideal, but he proved that talent and persistence can beat the odds. DeGrom’s story is all about turning childhood dreams into real opportunities.

Professional Baseball Career

Jacob deGrom’s career in pro baseball is pretty wild—he went from a ninth-round draft pick to one of the most dominant pitchers of his era. Along the way, he’s picked up Cy Young Awards, shattered records, and built a reputation for velocity and control.

MLB Draft and Early Years

The New York Mets drafted Jacob deGrom in 2010, grabbing him in the ninth round. He’d only recently switched to pitching at Stetson, which turned out to be a game-changer.

Things didn’t go smoothly right away. DeGrom had Tommy John surgery in 2010 and missed all of 2011. That setback slowed his progress, but maybe it actually helped save his arm for later.

He worked his way up through the Mets’ minor league system. DeGrom made his MLB debut on May 15, 2014, at 25. He finished his rookie season 9-6, but his 2.69 ERA and 144 strikeouts earned him the 2014 National League Rookie of the Year.

Breakout Seasons

From 2018 to 2019, deGrom really took over as baseball’s top pitcher. In 2018, the Mets struggled, but deGrom posted a 1.70 ERA with 269 strikeouts and won his first Cy Young Award—even though his record was just 10-9.

He didn’t slow down the next year. In 2019, deGrom grabbed a second straight Cy Young with a 2.43 ERA and a league-leading 255 strikeouts. Only 10 other pitchers in MLB history have won back-to-back Cy Youngs.

The 2020 season was short, but deGrom still dominated with a 2.38 ERA and 104 strikeouts in 68 innings. In 2021, he looked almost untouchable, posting a 1.08 ERA before arm issues cut his season short.

Awards and Honors

DeGrom’s trophy shelf is pretty packed:

• Cy Young Awards: 2018, 2019
• Rookie of the Year: 2014
• All-Star Selections: 4 (2015, 2018, 2019, 2021)
• NL ERA Title: 2018 (1.70)
• NL Strikeout Leader: 2019, 2020

His 2018 Cy Young win stood out because he won it with almost no help from his team in the win column. That award helped shift how people judge pitchers, focusing more on ERA, WHIP, and strikeouts.

In 2019, he nearly swept the Cy Young voting, with just one first-place vote going elsewhere.

Notable Performances and Milestones

DeGrom has racked up some wild stats and moments. He set a record with 45 straight starts allowing three runs or fewer from 2018 to 2021. That broke a record that had stood for over 100 years.

In April 2021, he struck out 14 and hit a home run against the Marlins—the first pitcher since 1970 to do both in one game. That year, his average fastball velocity hit 99.2 mph, which is just unheard of for a starter.

After nine seasons with the Mets, deGrom signed a five-year, $185 million contract with the Texas Rangers in December 2022. Injuries have slowed him down in Texas, but his career 2.53 ERA and 10.9 strikeouts per nine innings still put him among the game’s best.

Contract History and Salary

Jacob deGrom has become one of the highest-paid pitchers in baseball, and his contracts show just how much teams value what he brings. His salary has skyrocketed from his early Mets days to his current mega-deal with the Texas Rangers.

Initial MLB Contracts

DeGrom’s MLB money story started out pretty modest. When he first joined the Mets in 2014, he played under team control and the usual pre-arbitration salaries. In 2016, he was set to earn $607,000—a number he initially refused to sign, but he had no choice since he wasn’t arbitration-eligible.

Even after winning Rookie of the Year in 2014, deGrom was still one of the most underpaid stars in the league, at least compared to his performance.

His salary climbed slowly through arbitration, but it stayed well below what he was actually worth.

Major Extensions and Deals

DeGrom’s first big payday came in March 2019, when he signed a five-year, $137.5 million extension with the Mets. That deal included a club option for 2024, showing the Mets really wanted to keep their ace.

The real turning point, though, came in December 2022. DeGrom signed with the Texas Rangers for five years and $185 million. That’s about $37 million a year—just a massive number.

In 2025 alone, deGrom will make $40 million, putting him among the highest-paid pitchers ever. That kind of contract just shows how much teams will pay for a true ace.

Free Agency Status and Negotiations

After the 2022 season, deGrom used his opt-out clause with the Mets and became a free agent. Despite some injury concerns, he became one of the hottest names on the market.

The Texas Rangers outbid everyone else, offering the money and years deGrom wanted. His contract includes:

• $40 million base salary each year
• Full no-trade clause
• Conditional option for 2028
• Performance bonuses

The Rangers took a big risk, betting on deGrom’s talent even with his injury history. His agent played it smart, using deGrom’s reputation to get the best possible deal.

Salary Comparison with Peers

DeGrom’s $40 million a year puts him in rare company. Not many players, even All-Stars, make that much. Only a few, like Max Scherzer and Gerrit Cole, have similar deals.

Compared to other top pitchers:

• Clayton Kershaw has made more over his career, but his recent contracts have been smaller.
• Blake Snell signed for less per year, even after winning a Cy Young.
• Joe Musgrove also earns less, despite being solid.

The difference just shows how much teams value proven, long-term dominance over short bursts of success. The Rangers’ deal for deGrom pretty much set a new standard for what teams might pay for a true ace.

Net Worth and Financial Profile

Jacob deGrom has built up some serious wealth from his elite pitching career. His income comes from his playing contracts and a handful of endorsement deals that boost his overall net worth.

Estimated Net Worth

Jacob deGrom’s net worth is estimated at $70 million as of 2024. That’s a huge leap from his early days as a ninth-round pick.

His financial profile really took off after he signed his big contract with the Rangers. He’s already among the richer MLB players, but if he stays healthy and finishes his contract, that number could climb even higher.

The four-time All-Star and two-time Cy Young winner has made smart choices, using his career achievements to boost his value at every turn.

Career Earnings

DeGrom’s career earnings really took off in the last few years. He hit his biggest payday when he signed a 5-year contract worth $185 million with the Texas Rangers in December 2022.

That deal pays him $37 million a year—yeah, that’s one of the highest pitching contracts in baseball right now.

Before he landed in Texas, deGrom played for the New York Mets. He made good money there, but it didn’t quite match what he’s getting now.

You can see how his pay jumped after those Cy Young wins in 2018 and 2019. Elite performance, big rewards—makes sense, right?

If you check the numbers, deGrom earns about ₹3,44,07,13,264 per year with the Rangers. Texas clearly wanted him badly.

Sponsorships and Endorsements

DeGrom doesn’t have a huge endorsement portfolio, but he’s landed a handful of solid partnerships that go well with his MLB salary.

His reputation as a top pitcher and his clean image make him a good pick for brands who want someone genuine.

He’s worked with some baseball equipment companies and a few lifestyle brands. Those deals seem to fit his vibe—serious, professional, but still relatable.

DeGrom doesn’t chase every sponsorship out there. Instead, he picks a few that actually fit, which lines up with his private nature.

His endorsement value keeps going up as he racks up more on-field success and cements his place as one of the best pitchers in the game.

Personal Life and Legacy

Off the field, Jacob deGrom keeps things pretty low-key. He spends time with family and tries to give back, all while leaving his mark on baseball culture.

People notice his humble attitude and insane talent. That combo sticks with fans and teammates.

Family and Relationships

Jacob deGrom grew up in DeLeon Springs, Florida, and those small-town roots show in how grounded he is.

He went to Calvary Christian Academy and then Stetson University, where he really started to shine as a ballplayer.

His life changed quite a bit when he married Stacey. Together, they’ve built a family and have kids—though he keeps them out of the spotlight.

DeGrom’s always been big on privacy, especially when it comes to his family.

When he played for the Mets, he’d head back to Florida in the off-season. He stayed close to his hometown and extended family.

That connection to home probably helps him stay calm when the pressure’s on.

Community Involvement

Even though he’s private, deGrom gets involved in charitable initiatives when he can.

He’s supported Mets Foundation events and helped out with youth baseball programs and community projects in New York.

DeGrom’s style—quiet but effective—shows up in his charity work, too.

He’s visited children’s hospitals and met with young fans, especially those dealing with tough illnesses.

Back in Florida, he’s pitched in for local baseball programs, helping kids who might not have the same opportunities.

He doesn’t look for attention, but his efforts have made a real difference.

He’s also donated to hurricane relief in Florida over the years.

Influence on Baseball

DeGrom’s impact on baseball goes way beyond his stats. Young pitchers all over Major League Baseball often mention him as an influence, especially when it comes to his precise mechanics and that unshakeable mental toughness.

He started out as a college shortstop, then somehow turned himself into an elite pitcher. That story gives hope to players who might be late bloomers. These days, scouts seem to pay more attention to athleticism and the ability to adapt, not just the usual pitching resume.

Coaches talk about the “deGrom effect” when they design pitching programs. They focus more on balancing velocity with control, taking a page from his approach. Mental performance coaches use his cool-headedness during tough innings as a real-world example for young pitchers.

Even with a net worth of approximately $70 million, deGrom still comes across as humble. He reminds folks why baseball feels so rooted in American tradition—where talent, hard work, and sportsmanship actually matter.