In a sport where comebacks are rare and dominance after major surgery even rarer, Jacob deGrom’s return to the top is nothing short of awe-inspiring. After undergoing a second Tommy John surgery in June 2023 and missing over a year of play, deGrom has defied expectations, reemerged stronger than ever, and earned a well-deserved spot in the 2025 MLB All-Star Game—his first All-Star nod in four years.
When the Texas Rangers signed deGrom in late 2022, they envisioned him as the ace who would bring them to new heights. But that dream was put on hold almost immediately when he was sidelined after just six starts due to elbow discomfort. The news that followed—a second Tommy John surgery—shook the baseball world. For many pitchers, one procedure of that magnitude is career-altering. A second? Potentially career-ending. But deGrom wasn’t finished. Not even close.
After a grueling 15-month rehab process, deGrom finally returned to the mound in September 2024, appearing in three late-season starts where he threw 10 1/3 innings, allowed only two earned runs, and flashed glimpses of his old self. It wasn’t perfect, but it was a vital step in reestablishing the foundation he would build upon this year.
“Being able to come back last year and make a few starts gave me confidence,” deGrom reflected. “It made the offseason feel normal again. For the first time in a while, I wasn’t rehabbing—I was preparing.”
That preparation has paid off in stunning fashion. In 2025, Jacob deGrom is not only healthy—he’s dominating. Through the first half of the season, he’s been the anchor of a Rangers rotation that ranks among the league’s best, delivering numbers that rival his Cy Young years:
- 2.32 ERA, fourth-best in the majors
- 0.91 WHIP, tied for third among qualified starters
- .194 opponent batting average, tied for sixth
He’s also authored a historic 14-start streak where he pitched five or more innings and allowed two or fewer earned runs—the longest such streak in Rangers history and the most by an AL pitcher since Felix Hernández’s 17-game run in 2014.
Teammates and coaches alike have taken notice.
“Watching him work is like watching a masterclass in pitching,” said catcher Kyle Higashioka. “His command is elite, his stuff is electric, and his mentality is unshakable. You don’t come back from two Tommy Johns and perform like this unless you’re built for greatness.”
Pitching coach Mike Maddux echoed those sentiments, calling deGrom “the unicorn.”
“He knows what he wants to do, and he executes. It’s rare to see someone come back from what he’s been through and still be this good. But that’s Jacob.”
What’s perhaps most remarkable is deGrom’s consistency. Despite his injury history, when healthy, he’s arguably the best pitcher on the planet. Before joining the Rangers, deGrom battled through a series of injuries from 2020–2022, making just 38 starts over three years. But when he was on the mound, his numbers were nearly untouchable. That trend has resumed this year, and he’s once again proving why he was once regarded as the most dominant force in baseball.
Now 37, deGrom’s journey adds layers to his legacy. He’s no longer just a two-time Cy Young winner. He’s a model of resilience, patience, and perseverance. His 2025 All-Star selection isn’t just about statistics—it’s a celebration of everything he’s overcome.
“I’ve had people ask if I ever thought about walking away,” deGrom admitted. “Of course, it crosses your mind when you’re in pain and don’t know what’s next. But I always believed I could get back. I just had to take it one day at a time.”
One day at a time has turned into one of the best stories of the 2025 season.
For the Rangers, who continue to chase postseason dreams, deGrom’s return to form could be the key to another playoff run. But for baseball fans everywhere, his comeback is about more than wins and losses. It’s a reminder that greatness, even when knocked down by injury and time, never truly disappears—it just waits for the right moment to return.
And in 2025, Jacob deGrom is back—stronger, smarter, and more determined than ever.
