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Jacob deGrom was one of the most talked about offseason additions for the Texas Rangers ahead of the 2023 campaign. The starting pitcher opted to leave the New York Mets, signing a $185M contract with the AL West franchise this past December.
After inking that deal, deGrom made some pretty bold World Series comments which were met by online mockery from fans. Fast forward to November, and he’s the one laughing.
“Bringing a World Series here, that’s the goal,” deGrom said in his first Rangers press conference. “These guys all have that same vision, and it lined up with what I wanted to do.”
At the time, Texas was fresh off a 68-win season where it finished fourth in the AL West standings. The pitcher’s remarks came before the franchise landed that first ever World Series title. In fact, prior to this season, the Rangers had been to the postseason just eight times in their 62-year history.
“If a World Series was the goal, you should’ve stayed with the Mets!”
The organization stayed true to that vision, and after sliding in as a wildcard team, Texas went on a 13-4 run with a spotless 11-0 record away from home.
Jacob deGrom’s World Series comments have now resurfaced on social media.
Jacob DeGrom signed with the Rangers to win a World Series. Everyone called made fun of him saying he signed for money. Even without DeGrom the Rangers are champions of the world. What a team and what a story. World Champion Texas Rangers#WorldSeries pic.twitter.com/WklrEWtroX
— Up To The Minute Fantasy (@UpToTheMinuteFF) November 2, 2023
“deGrom manifested and now he is a World Series champion!”
“They called deGrom a madman.”
Jacob deGrom and the Texas Rangers are #WorldSeries Champions.
Just as we all predicted. https://t.co/Fkn5MOLEmC
— BetMGM 🦁 (@BetMGM) November 2, 2023
In that championship season, the starter played in only six games due to injury, going 2-0 with a 2.67 ERA. deGrom underwent Tommy John surgery in June, which caused him to not only miss the majority of the 2023 season, but will also sideline him for the start of 2024, too.
Hopefully, he can return stronger next season.