Jacob deGrom Is A Generational Talent Throwing Harder Than Ever This Spring

by Tim Reilly March 12, 2021

From Spring Training until his final start of the year, every time Jacob deGrom steps foot on the mound is appointment viewing. When a generational talent like deGrom comes around, you don't want to miss a single pitch. It's awe-inspiring to watch this kind of greatness.

Jacob deGrom faced 9 Astros tonight.

He struck out 7 of them.

🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/qQGFwupF6m
— SNY (@SNYtv) March 12, 2021

In deGrom's second start of spring, it was nine up, nine down with seven strikeouts. Oh, and he was hitting 102 mph on the gun. 1-0-2. Remember, it's only March 11. After the game, deGrom was asked if he has even more than that in his arm. He smirked and said, "I honestly don't know."

Jacob deGrom talks about his velocity in the spring so far.

On if he's maxed out his velocity: "I don't know, I guess we'll find out" 👀🔥 pic.twitter.com/7p0xiEN2fB
— SNY (@SNYtv) March 12, 2021

I feel that. I really do. Because when people ask me about deGrom, I smirk and say, "I honestly don't know what to say anymore." He's just that damn good. Every team has an "ace." Every team doesn't have a Jacob deGrom though.

Generational Talent. Enjoy it, folks. https://t.co/eAzXWfDT34
— Jerry Blevins (@jerryblevins) March 12, 2021

Stroman is like a kid in a candy story when he watches deGrom's bullpen sessions. Alonso cites that it can be boring at times behind deGrom, but he knows that he's getting to watch a man with a HOF trajectory in action. Blevins is a seasoned vet whose been around long enough to know guys like deGrom don't come around often.

When the game's best identify the best of the best, that's when you know you're watching something special. There's no greater respect than that from your peers. The only thing us fans have in common with the rest of the guys in the league is none of us can take our eyes off Jacob deGrom.

There is no comparison to Jacob deGrom in New York.

(@The7Line) pic.twitter.com/LQdz1Fh0fn
— Tim Reilly (@LifeOfTimReilly) March 7, 2021

Seaver was a generational talent. The Mets, well, they screwed that one up for the second act of his career. Gooden was a generational talent. Personal demons turned that into the saddest thing in life, wasted talent. Two Cy Young awards and 7 stellar seasons later, deGrom has rightfully earned his spot among those two in rarified air. At 32, he looks better than ever with four years left on his deal. If all goes according to plan, deGrom could very well be the Mets first generational talent who doesn't spoil prematurely or spend time in another uniform.

It's kind of crazy when you think about it that way. We're right in the middle of a run that doesn't come around very often. Soak it all in. Clear your calendars every fifth day. Bring a portable charger to weddings to stream on your phone. Skip the bridal shower if it conflicts with a weekend day game. Call out of work or mentally check out at the office if you have to. No one regrets not working enough later in life, but you will regret not watching enough Jacob deGrom starts.

I'll never forget deGrom making his Major League debut against the Yankees. I remember it because it happened on back-to-back days with Rafael Montero's debut, the more highly anticipated prospect. I was only able to swing one game that week and I chose, you guessed it, Montero's start.

What a f---ing idiot.

I'll never make the mistake of missing a deGrom start again. You shouldn't either.