2. Jacob deGrom: Fastball, Changeup
The DeGrominator is as wise as they come. Maybe that’s why he’s found such staggering success in two years as a major leaguer following a solid, yet hardly amazing minor league career.
Or, maybe it’s his lushes locks, which he vows will never be cut after learning of the advantage it provides.
Or, maybe it’s the endless command he has over every single one of his pitches. It’s hard to top the interplay between his fastball and changeup. No one mixes speed with off-speed better than this guy.
Mets’ fans, you have Johan Santana to thank for that. The once legendary pitcher, who hurled the only no-hitter in NYM history, was the man who taught deGrom his grip on the changeup. The rest was history.
In addition, his fastball is hard to pick up on, because of the appearance that it rises after deGrom slings it. In 2015, hitters batted only .172 when facing deGrom’s fastball.
Two years ago, the converted shortstop-turned-pitcher was the National League’s Rookie of the Year. Last year, he was an All-Star exceeding 200 strikeouts and leading the Mets with a 2.54 ERA. Now he’s arguably the leader of this Amazin’ staff.
