(Arlington) Ace pitcher Jacob deGrom signed with the Texas Rangers on Friday for a five-year, $185 million contract.
A two-time Cy-Young Trophy winner, deGrom is leaving the New York Mets after nine seasons. The last two were cut short by injuries.
After making his first start of the 2022 season in August, deGrom went 5-4 with a 3.08 ERA. He helped the Mets reach the playoffs before availing himself of his escape clause to become a free agent.
Rangers announced the signing on Friday night, after the 34-year-old pitcher passed his physical assessments.
A person with knowledge of the deal revealed the financial terms to The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity, as the team has not publicly confirmed the information.
“Over several seasons, Jacob has been an outstanding pitcher in major league baseball, and he will be a dominant player at the top of our rotation. One of our main goals this offseason was to strengthen our starting lineup, and we are adding one of the best,” Chris Young, executive vice president and general manager, said in a statement. .
The Rangers went 68-94 last season and then hired Bruce Bochy as manager. Rangers’ six-season streak is the club’s worst since moving from Washington in 1972.
The Rangers spent big on free agency last season, signing shortstop Corey Seager ($325 million for 10 years) and second baseman Marcus Semien ($175 million for seven years).