© Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: San Diego Padres at New York Mets
(New York, NY) – As Texas Ranger ace Jacob deGrom prepares for his first season in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area, he’s sharing some insight into his departure from New York. The longtime Mets pitcher admits there was a “part of” him that “thought” he’d be back in the Big Apple for the 2023 season and beyond. While some fans and reports have hinted deGrom never seriously considered returning, deGrom told Jon Heyman of the New York Post he didn’t enter the offseason with the explicit plan of joining the Rangers.
DeGrom told Heyman he didn’t have a “I’m outta here” mindset, but was instead considering the different places he could end up. He also dismissed notions concerning his previous contract, after some suggested deGrom was frustrated or annoyed that it was under-market. The two-time Cy Young winner says he enjoyed his time in New York, adding he has “friends that will be lifelong friends in New York.” He also noted the fans were good to him during his Mets tenure.
No matter how the process played out, deGrom eventually signed a five-year, $185 million contract with the Rangers in early December. The Mets quickly pivoted and signed fellow Cy Young winner Justin Verlander as his replacement. While Mets fans were undoubtedly sad to see deGrom go, it doesn’t appear he harbors any ill will toward the city or the franchise.
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