Is Jacob deGrom Taking A Shot At The Mets With His Comments?

 

The Texas Rangers looked primed to make a run this season in the American League.

One big reason for that is the signing of starting pitcher Jacob deGrom.

Many people thought that deGrom would head back to the Mets when this free agency was all said and done.

But, he was ready for a new opportunity elsewhere.

In his introductory press conference, deGrom mentioned how “we want to ultimately win the World Series.”

Maybe as a subtle shot at his former team.

“We want to ultimately win the World Series”

“That aligns with what I want to do. Consider me signed” https://t.co/b1BQ8GvhrK

— Jomboy (@Jomboy_) December 8, 2022

deGrom reached the World Series with the Mets back in 2015, and he was a big part of that team.

In his time with the Mets, deGrom won two Cy Young awards and made four All-Star teams.

But, it does not feel like this comment was a shot at the Mets.

Instead, he seems impressed with the way the Rangers have built their roster in recent years.

Last offseason, Texas signed both Corey Seager and Marcus Semien.

Plus, they have a few other solid pitchers in place like Jon Gray and Martin Perez.

 

AL Contenders?

Despite their recent trends of spending big in free agency, do the Rangers have what it takes to contend in the AL?

Unfortunately for them, they play in the same division as World Series champion Houston Astros.

Houston still has a substantially better team than the Rangers but they have closed the gap this offseason.

Also, the Seattle Mariners will be a tough competitor in the AL, with their recent emergence.

The American League is set to be a highly competitive league.

So the Rangers will need deGrom to stay healthy for them to keep pace over the long haul.

Texas is ready to compete and they still have time to improve their team over the rest of the offseason.