Rangers Ace deGrom Looks to Build on Healthy 2025 Season

Veteran pitcher focused on consistency and durability after injury-plagued years with Texas

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Jacob deGrom, the Texas Rangers' ace pitcher, is entering the 2026 season with a renewed focus on consistency and durability after a healthy 2025 campaign. deGrom, who has dealt with injuries in recent years including a second Tommy John surgery, is looking to build on his strong 2025 season where he made 30 starts and pitched 172.2 innings. While pleased with his performance, the perfectionist deGrom is already looking at ways he can improve, particularly when it comes to limiting home runs on his four-seam fastball.

Why it matters

deGrom's ability to stay healthy and consistent will be crucial for the Rangers as they look to make the playoffs in 2026 after falling short last season. The veteran right-hander has proven he can be one of the game's elite pitchers when healthy, and the Rangers will need him to anchor their rotation if they want to contend in the tough AL West division.

The details

deGrom threw his first bullpen session of spring training away from prying eyes, preferring to keep a low profile as he prepares for the upcoming season. After making 30 starts and throwing 172.2 innings in 2025, deGrom's main goal is to replicate that level of durability and consistency. While he was pleased to reach the 200-inning mark, a rarity in today's game, deGrom is always looking to improve and is focused on cutting down on the home runs he allowed on his four-seam fastball last season.

  • deGrom threw his first bullpen session of spring training on Wednesday, February 12, 2026.
  • deGrom made 30 starts and threw 172.2 innings during the 2025 MLB season.

The players

Jacob deGrom

The veteran right-handed pitcher for the Texas Rangers, a two-time National League Cy Young Award winner who is looking to build on a healthy 2025 season after dealing with injuries in recent years.

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What they’re saying

“The goal going into last year was to make as many starts as I could. I was fortunate enough to be able to run out there for 30. I want to be able to repeat that for the next few years.”

— Jacob deGrom (mlb.com)

“I can't stand it [home runs]. It's obviously part of the game. Major league hitters are very good as well. But I needed to look at the home runs and fix the mistakes, whether it's poor execution or just being better in those situations.”

— Jacob deGrom (mlb.com)

What’s next

deGrom will continue to build up his arm strength and work on refining his pitches throughout spring training, with the goal of being fully ready for the start of the 2026 MLB season.

The takeaway

deGrom's ability to stay healthy and consistent will be crucial for the Rangers in 2026, as the veteran right-hander looks to build on his strong 2025 campaign and lead Texas back to the playoffs. His focus on improving his command and limiting home runs shows his relentless drive to be one of the game's elite pitchers.