Jacob deGrom, RHP
Player Data: Age: 30, B/T: L/R
Primary Stats: 32 G, 1.70 ERA; 0.912 WHIP, 0.4 HR/9, 1.90 BB/9, 11.2 SO/9, 217 IP, 269 K
Advanced Stats: 10.0 bWAR, 8.8 fWAR, 1.99 FIP/2.60 xFIP
Free Agency: 2021
2019 Salary: Estimated $12.9 million
GRADE: A+
2018 Review
There wasn’t really much that Jacob deGrom could have done to make his 2018 campaign any better. The only thing that would have made his season better was if the team itself played better when he was pitching so he would have had more wins.
His 1.70 ERA was beyond remarkable, in franchise history, only Jesse Orosco and Dwight Gooden had a better ERA in a single-season. Even Tom Seaver never had an ERA this low, the lowest of his career was 1.76.
One of deGrom’s best stretches of the year was in August. If it wasn’t for Cole Hamels, deGrom most likely would have won Pitcher of the Month after posting a 1.24 ERA and a K/9 of 12.37. He failed to give up more than two earned runs that month, while also going eight innings or more three times.
When it comes to strikeouts, his 269 were the fourth most in franchise history and he became just the third Mets pitcher to record at least 250 strikeouts in a season while also notching the 1000th of his career during his final start.
2019 Outlook
DeGrom’s 2018 season wasn’t a fluke. He’s had great seasons before and some incredible stretches, so it shouldn’t be hard to believe he can replicate his success in 2019. It’s hard to believe that he can have the exact numbers again, but if he doesn’t miss any time, he can go the route of Clayton Kershaw and have another season with a sub 2.0 ERA and 200 plus strikeouts.
At the same time, it’s also possible that deGrom could have an even better season in some areas, such as strikeouts. He did miss the equivalent of a start in early May and could possibly crack 270 strikeouts if he plays all year.
If the Mets really do turn things around next season, and play well, deGrom could finish his 2019 campaign with a serious shot at the Most Valuable Player award.
