Jacob deGrom

Once again, Jacob deGrom is the pitcher on the board with the wildest range of outcomes possible. If someone could guarantee his health, an argument could be made to take him in the first round. Instead, we have reality, and the reality is that deGrom started only 11 games and pitched 64 1/3 innings, both of which are lower numbers than in the truncated 2020 season. In those 64 innings, he struck out 102 batters using his elite arsenal of pitches. Batters did hit him a little harder when they did make contact, and he had a career-high 1.26 HR/9, but the rest of his Statcast profile still shines bright red. In the offseason, the Texas Rangers handed the 34-year-old a five-year, $185 million contract to anchor their staff. Globe Life Park is a better hitter's park than City Field, but when it comes to deGrom, the only factor that impacts his fantasy value is availability.

Jacob deGrom signs a five-year deal with the Texas Rangers

Jacob deGrom has signed a five-year, $185 million contract with the Texas Rangers with a sixth-year option.

Fantasy Impact

deGrom's contract has a full no-trade clause, and the total deal can escalate to $222 million if the sixth-year option is exercised. When healthy, deGrom is the best pitcher in the world. Unfortunately, he has not pitched more than 100 innings since 2019. The Rangers are banking on a healthy deGrom, given the contract he was given. If you can take on some risk on your fantasy team, deGrom is worth his ADP.