“I Am LEAVING”: Jacob deGrom Announces Departure from Texas Rangers in Emotional Press Conference
By Emily Carter | June 13, 2025 | Arlington, TX
Baseball fans—and especially followers of the Texas Rangers—were stunned this afternoon when Jacob deGrom, the ace pitcher acquired in a blockbuster mid-season trade last year, took to the podium at Globe Life Field to announce that he would be leaving the team. With calm resolve and visible emotion, deGrom explained why the decision, though extremely difficult, had become inevitable.
“I am leaving the Texas Rangers,” deGrom began, his voice measured but firm. “This isn’t a move I take lightly. I have given everything to this team and to you, the fans, but some things in life demand attention beyond the diamond. It’s time to step away.”
The news, delivered just as the Rangers prepare for a late-season playoff push, feels seismic. Here is a breakdown of deGrom’s announcement, the reasons behind it, and what lies ahead for both the star pitcher and the Rangers franchise.
1. A Sudden Decision Following an Emotional Journey
Jacob deGrom, 36, was signed by the Rangers before the 2024 season in a deal that set high hopes for both his dominance on the mound and the team’s championship aspirations. Despite battling shoulder discomfort late last year, deGrom returned this season to post a 2.45 ERA over 19 starts, quickly becoming a pillar of the pitching rotation.
Yet, off the field, deGrom was fighting a private battle—one he revealed only today. He cited mental exhaustion, unaddressed personal grief, and a need for time away from the pressures of MLB life.
“I’ve been dealing with some personal pain—losses and memories I couldn’t carry while throwing 95 mph fastballs,” he said. “I tried pushing through for the team. But there comes a point where you have to choose your health, your life, and your future.”
2. The Announcement: Calm, Respectful, Final
In a subdued press room populated by front office leaders, teammates, and media, deGrom spoke for roughly eight minutes. He refused to take questions, stating simply:
“I’ve talked it over with my family, the Rangers organization, and my inner circle. This is the right time.”
He then offered gratitude to teammates, coaches, and fans:
“I’ve never felt love like yours. When I needed a community, you were there. That will always mean the world to me.”
3. Reasons Behind the Decision — The Personal Toll of Pitching
DeGrom’s decision sparked curiosity and concern across baseball. He revealed a series of underlying challenges:
- Mental and emotional fatigue stemming from the loss of a close family member last winter.
- Chronic physical pain mixed with the emotional strain of persistent rehabs and long road trips.
- A growing realization that he wanted to be present for his young children—the first time he will miss the remainder of a season since his MLB debut.
“Every time I’d walk off the mound, I felt like I was leaving parts of myself behind,” he said. “I need to find myself again, and I can’t do that from a bullpen visit.”
4. Rangers’ Response: Support Without Hesitation
Texas Rangers GM Chris Young delivered a unified message on behalf of the team:
“Jacob deGrom is the ultimate professional—a competitor, a teammate, and a man of integrity. We support his decision wholeheartedly and are grateful that he chose to come here when he did.”
Rangers Manager Bruce Bochy added:
“He gave us everything he had on the mound and more as a leader in our clubhouse.”
5. Teammate Tributes and Fan Reactions
The emotional ripple was immediate. Catcher Jonah Heim, clearly moved, said:
“He’s not just our ace—he’s our friend. We’ll miss him dearly.”
Outfielder Adolis García gave deGrom a bear hug after the announcement.
On social media and at home, the outpouring of support was overwhelming:
- “You’re brave for doing this,” tweeted one fan. “Health matters above all.”
- Another wrote: “Jacob deGrom taught us about excellence and, today, about courage.”
- At Globe Life Field, thousands stood in solidarity and gave deGrom a loud ovation as he left the press conference.
6. What It Means for the Rangers
Losing deGrom mid-season is a blow to the Rangers’ pitching rotation—but front office voices continue to express confidence.
- Veteran pitcher Mike Minor is expected to step into the fifth starter role.
- Young right-hander Tyler Alexander, with impressive 4-A and Triple-A numbers, is rumored to be next in line.
- Bullpen reshuffling is almost certain, with swingman options like Dane Dunning and Kolby Allard in consideration.
Chris Young noted:
“We’re disappointed, but we signed deGrom knowing both his talent and his character. We’ll move forward with gratitude and determination.”
7. Broader Impact: Mental Health in Sports
DeGrom’s departure has revitalized the national conversation around mental health and wellbeing in professional sports.
- ESPN’s Kimberly Jones commented: “When a superstar steps away, it wakes everyone up.”
- The MLB Players Association issued a statement applauding deGrom’s decision and urging clubs to assess player mental health support.
- The Trevor Project tweeted: “Thank you, Jacob deGrom, for prioritizing your mental health. You’re an inspiration.”
8. What’s Next for Jacob deGrom?
Although he has announced stepping away immediately, sources close to deGrom say there’s no immediate retirement.
Possible next steps:
- Rehabilitation—both physical and emotional.
- 100% family-focused time with wife Emily and young children, who he said are his primary source of strength.
“We’ll see where the year takes me,” deGrom said in closing. “For now, I’m focusing on being a father. I want to resubmit myself in the right place.”
There is even speculation he may return for a short season in 2026, once he feels fully recharged.
9. A Legacy of Excellence and Heart
Jacob deGrom finishes his time with the Rangers with:
- 19 starts in 2025
- A 2.45 ERA, 0.8 WHIP, and 200 strikeouts
- A record racking up 83 POs (pitcher’s outs)
More than the metrics, deGrom leaves a lasting mark:
- On-field dominance paired with humility
- Mentorship to younger pitchers
- Unselfish decision-making, speaking authentically in an industry often resistant to vulnerability
10. Final Words: A Departure, Not Goodbye
In closing, deGrom offered a message to his fans:
“This is not the end. It’s a redirection. I’m grateful for every inning, every cheer, every memory. Thank you for letting me be part of your lives.”
And as he looked toward a future that remains unwritten, he left no doubt:
“Wherever I am, whatever I do, I carry this experience and this city with me.”
For a moment, we dropped our heads. We listened, we felt, and we honored the man who graced the mound with both fire and soul. Whether the Rangers return to playoff contention this year—or pivot into a rebuilding mode—the season from now on will not just be prideful, but reflective of a choice few have the courage to make.
Because sometimes, stepping away is just another way of winning at life.
Leave a Reply