Ex-new York Mets Star Joins Alex Rodriguez in a Rare Breed of MLB Players With a Mammoth $185 Million Deal

December 11, 2000, marked the day when Texas Rangers signed Alex Rodriguez with the largest contract in the history of baseball of that time. It was also the first time that the Rangers shelled out a $100M contract worth at least $25M in Average Annual Value (AAV). Since then, the Rangers went on to sign three more players with the same or more AAV. But the last player they signed, is the 2nd oldest player in MLB history to get a $100 million deal.

Notably, after playing for over nine years for the New York Mets, Jacob deGrom signed a new deal with the Rangers this off-season. And after signing this mammoth deal, deGrom has joined Rodriguez and a couple more Rangers players in this elite category.

Jacob deGrom is as special as Alex Rodriguez and Max Scherzer

The two times Cy Young award winner, Jacob deGrom, chose to enter free agency when this year’s regular season wrapped up. While two years were still left on deGrom’s contract with the NY Mets, he decided to opt out. He wanted to test the free-agency waters. Therefore, he went on and signed the deal, which suited him the best. 

Starting pitcher, Jacob deGrom signed a five-year contract with the Texas Rangers for $185 million. Soon as he did so, he became a part of one of the most elite clubs of Texas Rangers.

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Rangers signed Rodriguez to a record-smashing 10-year contract worth $252 million. Then, in December last year, Corey Seager & Marcus Semien also joined A-Rod in the elite category. And now, it is deGrom’s chance to shine. A fresh start in life with another title on the side.

Apart from this, at 34, deGrom is the second-oldest MLB player to get a $100 million contract after last year the Mets signed Max Scherzer for a whopping $130 million.

By signing the ex-Mets player, Rangers tied with the Dodgers

Not only with the LA Dodgers, but the Texas Rangers also tied with the New York Mets. These three teams are tied for shelling out contracts of the same nature. The Rangers are suddenly in a much better position with deGrom, Gray, Martin Perez, Jake Odorizzi, as well as some young big leaguers.

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Given the Rangers have spent a massive amount on deGrom; do you think the former Mets ace will be able to deliver to his potential in the next five years? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section!