Jacob deGrom Dominates Again: Is He the Front-Runner for Cy Young?

By Oliver Wiener June 29, 2025 14:10

Jacob deGrom’s 2025 season with the Texas Rangers continues to reinforce his status as one of baseball’s most dominant pitchers, sparking intense debate about whether he is the leading candidate for this year’s Cy Young Award. Through 16 starts, deGrom has posted elite numbers that combine precision, power, and consistency hallmarks that have defined his career.

Dominant Numbers Backing the Case

DeGrom’s 2025 stat line is nothing short of spectacular. He holds an 8-2 record with a sterling 2.08 ERA, ranking fourth in the American League. Over 95.1 innings pitched, he has struck out 94 batters, nearly averaging a strikeout per inning, while maintaining an exceptional 0.88 WHIP, second-best in the league. These figures underscore his ability to limit baserunners and control games effectively.

Advanced metrics further highlight his dominance. His average exit velocity against stands at 89.3 mph, well below the league average, and his hard-hit rate is a modest 39.7%, indicating hitters struggle to square up his pitches. His weighted on-base average (wOBA) against is an outstanding .239, reflecting the quality of contact he allows, while his barrel percentage is a mere 6.1%, one of the lowest marks in the majors.

Command and Control: The DeGrom Signature

What truly separates deGrom from many peers is his pinpoint command. Texas Rangers manager Terry Collins recently praised his ace’s performance: “That’s about as dominating a start of a game as I’ve probably ever seen. The location was just outstanding. You look at some of those called strikes and they were right—right—on the corners. Unbelievable. He threw any pitch he wanted to, whenever he wanted to”. This mastery over pitch placement allows deGrom to keep hitters off balance, minimizing damage even when he doesn’t overpower them with velocity.

How Does He Stack Up?

While other pitchers have had strong seasons, deGrom’s blend of elite ERA, strikeout ability, and efficiency sets him apart. His 2.08 ERA and sub-1.00 WHIP are rarefied air in today’s hitter-friendly environment. According to ESPN, deGrom’s 94 strikeouts rank him ninth in the league, and his 2.08 ERA places him fourth, a combination that few can match.

Moreover, deGrom’s durability and consistency have been key for the Rangers, providing quality starts that keep the team competitive. His ability to limit hard contact and control the strike zone makes him arguably the most reliable arm in the American League this season.

The Cy Young Debate

Given these performances, deGrom is widely regarded as a front-runner for the AL Cy Young Award. MLB analyst Mike Petriello recently remarked, “DeGrom’s 2025 season is a masterclass in pitching excellence. His ability to dominate lineups with precision and poise puts him in a league of his own. If he keeps this pace, the Cy Young trophy should be his.”

That said, the award race is never straightforward. Other pitchers with high strikeout totals or dominant stretches will challenge him, but deGrom’s combination of metrics and impact on his team’s success give him a clear edge.

Jacob deGrom’s 2025 campaign reaffirms his place among baseball’s elite pitchers. His outstanding ERA, strikeout numbers, and exceptional command make a compelling case for Cy Young consideration. As the season progresses, maintaining this level of dominance will be crucial for deGrom to secure the award.

In the words of Rangers manager Collins, “When deGrom’s on the mound, you feel like you’ve got the best pitcher in baseball. He’s that good.” If the rest of the season unfolds in kind, the Cy Young Award may well find its way back to Jacob deGrom.