Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Jacob deGrom is a master of his craft and a player who takes every measure to be the best possible pitcher in the world. Well, why not imitate one of the best to ever do it?

Thanks to Rob Friedman aka Pitching Ninja, we can see deGrom’s windup and release look identical to the former Met and Hall of Fame member Pedro Martinez.

DeGrom has constantly adjusted his windup to make throwing 100 miles per hour effortless. Since his major league debut, deGrom has seen a rise in velocity across the board. In 2015 his fastball averaged 95.6 miles per hour. In 2021 his fastball averaged 99.2 miles per hour.

Martinez pitched for the Mets for four seasons in the mid-to-late 2000s. He made the All-Star team in 2005 and 2006.

deGrom said he received advice from Martinez in 2019 during the All-Star game. That season he’d win his second Cy Young award after a second half that saw him go 7-1 with a 1.44 ERA, 0.93 WHIP, and 117 strikeouts in 94 innings pitched. For comparison, his first half ERA was 3.27.

Now 33, deGrom has his eyes on matching Pedro’s three Cy Young awards and joining the inner circle of Hall of Fame members. According to himself, deGrom will be ready to go in the spring.

With new battery mate Max Scherzer at his side, for the first time in his career, he’ll have to prove he’s the best pitcher on the Mets.