For the past year, the Texas Rangers have been waiting for this moment. Their 185 million ace, Jacob deGrom, is at last beginning to resemble himself. After June 2023, for the first time, there is cause for hope. Rangers manager Bruce Bochy, a three-time World Series-winning skipper, summed it up best after deGrom threw in live batting practice.

Bochy simply said, “He looked good. He looked like Jacob; the stuff, everything. He felt good. I think he came out of it fine.” That short yet powerful statement sent waves of excitement through the Rangers’ camp. However, has deGrom really returned to his dominant form? Does this simply highlight a positive step?

Jacob deGrom’s live BP session was a statement instead of another phase in his recovery. The 35-year-old right-hander displayed the blazing stuff that used to make him the most dominant pitcher in baseball when he faced hitters for the first time since surgery. His delivery appeared fluid, his fastball sat in the high 90s and he felt comfortable afterward.

Bruce Bochy, who has seen his fair share of elite arms, was visibly encouraged by what he saw. “He is progressing really well,” Bochy said. “The way the ball is coming out of his hand, the life on it—it is really exciting to see.” For a team largely invested in deGrom despite his injury history, this was the first real sign that their gamble could pay off.

The Rangers were not the only ones who were excited. Supporters and commentators throughout the league paid attention. However, cautious optimism also exists. After making just 35 starts in the previous four years, the 36-year-old is looking for his first full healthy season since 2020. Because of injuries that have disrupted his domination, he has not pitched more than 100 innings since 2019.

Another setback came with his second operation in 2023, just six starts into the season. However, fans are hoping for a better outcome this time.

How Jacob deGrom’s return reshapes the Rangers’ rotation

Adding a healthy Jacob deGrom to the Rangers’ rotation does not just enhance them—it completely transforms their ceiling. Texas won the 2023 World Series without him. The team relied on Nathan Eovaldi, Jon Gray and help from Jordan Montgomery. Now, if deGrom returns to his Cy Young form, he provides the Rangers an ace not many teams can match.

Another vital aspect of Texas’ future is rookie Kumar Rocker, whose enhancement under deGrom could accelerate it.

Beyond 2025, deGrom’s return carries vital long-period implications. A healthy deGrom could keep them in championship contention for years. “I am definitely excited,” deGrom said related to his return. “I felt like stuff was getting better each time,” he added. His dominance and reputation in MLB are unquestioned and remains elite.

Mookie Betts once called him “pretty much the best, maybe the best to ever pitch.” In addition, Travis Jankowski has praised his overpowering stuff. His availability does not just enhance the Rangers on the mound—it makes them a more attractive destination for free agents. When a team has an elite star like Jacob deGrom, other stars naturally want to join.

Jacob deGrom’s latest live BP session was the first real glimpse of what could be a game-transforming return If he stays healthy, the Rangers could have the scariest rotation in baseball. Will deGrom reclaim his place as one of the game’s elite arms? Time will tell, however, for now, the Rangers—and their fans—have every reason to believe.