The New York Yankees bullpen is an envy for many today. Sure, losing out on Juan Soto was a major blow, but this team isn’t hurting for talent now. This off-season they have added tons of talent, from Max Fried to Cody Bellinger. Their bullpen feels deep enough to carry through the chaos of the whole season. But the Yankees’ former hitting coach Sean Casey thinks while the team seems ready for another go at the World Series, there is a team they should watch out for. And no, it’s not the Los Angeles Dodgers he’s warning about.

Because let’s be honest, everyone knows LA is on fire right now. But Casey has warned the New York Yankees of the Texas Rangers. The 2023 World Series champs did have a rough 2024 season for sure. They missed the playoffs entirely, but Casey isn’t counting them out just yet.

Texas has had a brutal run with injuries last season. But if they can all stay healthy, they look formidable. A healthy Jacob deGrom alone changes things for the Rangers. If he is anywhere close to his peak along with Nathan Eovaldi, Jon Gray, and Tyler Mahle, they look stunning. Their lineup is stacked: Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, Adolis Garcia; all make it dangerous.

But that’s not all; they also have Wyatt Langford and Evan Carter. Plus new ones like Jake Burger and Joc Pederson. Casey laid it all out, saying, “Dude, I think the Rangers have done a lot. If deGrom could stay healthy, you know, Semien’s going to have a better year. Langford, coming into his second year, they signed Garcia—no way he’s going to be that bad. Jake Burger’s in the mix. They got some thump in that lineup.” Well, opposing pitchers of the New York Yankees and other teams will have a tough time.

Plus, unlike last season, the bullpen doesn’t look weak this time. And Casey isn’t the only one to notice the Texas Ranger’s power. MLB’s Will Leitch also claimed Texas is the AL West team most likely to bounce back. “The projection systems tend to love the Rangers this year, and it’s not all that difficult to see why.” But the biggest reason to have faith in Texas, as Sean Casey said in the podcast, is, “Imagine if deGrom is deGrom. If deGrom’s deGrom.” Because if that happens, teams have to watch out!

How wary should the New York Yankees be of Jacob deGrom?

Jacob deGrom’s career has been a roller coaster ride. From 2014 to 2022, he was with the New York Mets, and he was one of the most overpowering pitchers of the time. He won back-to-back Cy Young awards, and his 1.70 ERA in 2018 still is one of the best in baseball. When he is healthy, deGrom is untouchable. But then injuries have been a big speed breaker, following him every step of the way.

Tommy John surgery in 2010 was just the start. Later he had to deal with ulnar nerve surgery, stress reactions, and tightness in his forearms. It just limited his time in New York. Texas took a risk and signed him for $185 million for five years before 2023. But that backfired because just after six starts, due to an elbow inflammation, he went through Tommy John surgery again. The entire 2023 season, he was out of games, and the Rangers won the title without him.

He nearly missed 2024 as well, but his late-season return shows hope. In three appearances he posted a 1.69 ERA over 10.2 innings. He struck out 14 batters, and although it wasn’t much, it’s a sign—he has the fire. He is 37, and even though there is doubt whether he can be fierce, remember: Chris Sale overcame years of injuries, and at 35, won his first Cy Young. RA Dickey got it at 38. So for Texas, a healthy deGrom this season could be a difference maker.

Do you think he can remain healthy and sail the Texas Rangers into October? Compete with the giants right now like New York Yankees and LA Dodgers? Let us know your thoughts.