September 14, 2025

Get ready, baseball fans! Jacob deGrom is stepping onto the mound at Citi Field, but this time, wearing the Texas Rangers jersey. The pitcher who once soared with the New York Mets is making an emotional homecoming on Friday night, promising a game full of fireworks. This battle isn’t just any game — it’s a Wild Card fight that has both teams chasing playoff glory. DeGrom doesn’t hide his excitement. “This is where my career started, so it holds a special place in my heart,” he said from Arlington, Texas. "It’ll be fun. I’m looking forward to it. I think their alumni game is going on there, too, so a lot of guys that I came up with will be there as well. It’ll be an all-around cool experience." After tough injury struggles in his first years with the Rangers, deGrom has bounced back with a bang in 2025. He’s showing his true hero form with a sharp 2.78 ERA over 27 starts and a striking 169 strikeouts in 155⅔ innings — his biggest workload since his Cy Young Award-winning season with the Mets in 2019. And guess what? Citi Field remains his fortress, with a lifetime ERA of just 2.12 there! The Mets players can’t wait for the showdown. Outfielder Brandon Nimmo called deGrom “the main event,” while slugger Pete Alonso said, “When No. 48 takes the mound at Citi Field, in my mind, that’s his mound.” That's pure respect for the star who once brought Mets fans to their feet. Though this is deGrom’s first time returning as an opponent, he knows the pressure is sky-high. “It’s going to be fun. We’ve got to win, they’ve got to win. It’s going to be a playoff atmosphere,” he said. Fans can expect a thrilling mix of nostalgia, fierce competition, and playoff excitement. Who will emerge victorious in this epic ballgame? Stay tuned to find out!

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Tags: Jacob degrom, Texas rangers, New york mets, Citi field, Mlb, Wild card,