The road to helping Texas Rangers reach postseason will begin on Saturday when Jacob deGrom takes the mound for the first time in 2026.
Prior to last season, Jacob deGrom stood before the media at Texas Rangers Fan Fest and expressed his desire to make 30 starts in 2025.
From 2020 to 2024, deGrom made just 35 starts, so it was fair for people to raise eyebrows at his strong goals.
However, when deGrom says he wants to do something, it’s usually not a great idea to doubt that he is going to get it done.
Well, deGrom did exactly that, making 30 starts on the dot, and not only did he take the ball 30 times, but he also did it quite well.
In 172 2/3 innings, deGrom went 12-8 with a 2.97 ERA, recorded 185 strikeouts, and was named to the American League All-Star team.
Following his last start of the season, deGrom already had his sights set on the 2026 season and some lofty goals he wants to accomplish.
And, deGrom said he wants to pitch 200 innings in 2026. More importantly, he wants to get back to pitching in the postseason.
The road to helping the Rangers reach the postseason will begin on Saturday when deGrom takes the mound for the first time in 2026 against the Philadelphia Phillies.
After a 5-3 Opening Day loss to Philadelphia, deGrom will look to re-right the ship and help lead the Rangers to their first win of the 2026 season.
The Phillies aren’t exactly an unfamiliar opponent for deGrom, who spent nine years battling with them in the NL East as a member of the New York Mets.
In 2023, deGrom also made his Rangers debut against the Phillies on Opening Day at Globe Life Field.
If he can remain healthy, then there is no doubt that deGrom can be one of the best pitchers in all of baseball in 2026.
More importantly, deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi will be at the top of a Rangers rotation that once again figures to be one of the best in all of baseball.
This season, deGrom will once again be an important mentor for young Rangers pitchers MacKenzie Gore, Jack Leiter, and Kumar Rocker.
It’s said to say that deGrom’s impact on the Rangers stretches far beyond the mound, but when you pitch to the tune of an ERA under three in 30 starts, you’re not doing too bad on the field.
Obviously, deGrom’s goals won’t be accomplished on Saturday, but every journey starts with a single step, and he will take that first step at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia.
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