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Jacob deGrom Liked the Mets. But the Rangers Liked Him More.

Texas was desperate for pitching and deGrom’s interest was piqued. A $185 million contract, and a “vision” of how to win, convinced him to leave New York.

Jacob deGrom has won two Cy Young Awards but injuries have limited him to 26 starts over the last two seasons.Credit...Charlie Riedel/Associated Press

SURPRISE, Ariz. — Watching from afar while he played for the Mets, Jacob deGrom said he had his eye on the Texas Rangers. He did not get to see them play often, but definitely noticed when they doled out $581 million in contracts before the 2022 season to a group of free agents headlined by the All-Stars infielders Corey Seager and Marcus Semien.