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While all the eyes were on Aaron Judge, the New York Yankees, and San Francisco Giants, Texas Rangers have surprised the MLB world by landing veteran ace Jacob deGrom on a massive five-year contract. Notably, deGrom was a New York Mets pitcher before becoming a free agent after the 2022 MLB season.

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Per several reports, deGrom has signed a 5-year deal for a whopping $185 million with the Texas Rangers. As a result of this signing, the Mets will find themselves in a soup, after their righty pitcher, who led their pitching staff, has bid farewell to Queens.

Jacob deGrom delivers a shocking surprise to the New York Mets:

Jacob deGrom made his MLB debut with the New York Mets in 2014. Since then, the star pitcher, dubbed as the “most talented pitcher in the world” by ESPN columnist Jeff Passan, stuck around with the Mets for nine seasons.

The five-year contract also includes an option to extend deGrom’s stay in Texas after five years, making it a 6-year $222 million deal. In addition to that, the deal also covers a no-trade clause. That being said, deGrom is already 34 years old. And signing a five-year contract envisions a significant bet on the righty-pitchers health. Due to a stress fracture in his right scapula during spring training, the former Mets ace also delayed his entry into the 2022 season.

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There was a mixture of reactions that surrounded this transfer. While the Mets fans were upset, Rangers fans were happy. At the same time, multiple people raised concerns with regard to deGrom’s health and many others pointed out that even with this gigantic transfer, the Rangers wouldn’t make the postseason.

This is how fans reacted to deGrom moving to Texas:

Since his debut in 2014, deGrom won the Rookie of the Year award in 2014, followed by four All-Star appearances in the years coming ahead. Today, he’s won two National League Cy Young awards and led the list of strikeouts twice, in 2019 and 2020.

How will deGrom’s exit affect the New York Mets?

While 2022 was an injury-plagued season for Jacob deGrom, his presence contributed to an increased bullpen strength. Now, with his exit, the Mets will recommence their search for a pitcher to lead their defence staff.

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Will the Mets re-sign Chris Bassitt or will they start pursuing Justin Verlander and Carlos Rodón?

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WATCH THIS STORY: New York Yankees Star Aaron Judge’s Impressive Workout Routine

What do you think? Let us know your predictions in the comments below.