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Rangers sign deGrom to 5-year deal reportedly worth $185M

Simon Bruty / Sports Illustrated / Getty

Buckle up, Texas. You just got an ace.

The Texas Rangers signed two-time National League Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom to a five-year contract, the team announced Friday.

The deal is worth $185 million and includes a conditional sixth-year option that could take the contract to $222 million, according to Jeff Passan of ESPN. DeGrom's pact also reportedly has a full no-trade clause.

In addition to deGrom's hefty salary, the Rangers forfeit their second-round draft pick and $500,000 from its international draft pool for signing the pitcher.

"We are thrilled that Jacob deGrom has decided to become a Texas Ranger," general manager Chris Young said. "Over a number of seasons, Jacob has been a standout major league pitcher, and he gives us a dominant performer at the top of our rotation. One of our primary goals this offseason is to strengthen our starting pitching, and we are adding one of the best."

The 34-year-old's $37-million annual average value makes him the second-highest paid pitcher in baseball behind former New York Mets teammate Max Scherzer, who earns $43.3 million annually.

The Mets were interested in re-signing deGrom but never got to a final offer, a source told the New York Post's Mike Puma. Instead, they'll receive a compensation pick after the fourth round in MLB's draft since deGrom turned down a qualifying offer.

New York offered deGrom a deal in the three-year, $120-million range, reports Joel Sherman of the New York Post. The two sides were reportedly in contact Thursday, but there wasn't any dialogue Friday when he joined the Rangers.

"I wish him well," Mets owner Steve Cohen said after the deal was announced, according to SNY's Andy Martino. "He has the right to choose his team. Now this team has to move on to the next thing."

DeGrom joins a Rangers rotation including Jon Gray, Martin Perez, Jake Odorizzi, and Dane Dunning. He authored an 82-57 record with a 2.52 ERA and 14.3 K/9 in nine seasons with the Mets.

When healthy, deGrom is one of the game's best. However, he's made only 26 starts over the past two campaigns due to injuries, including a stress reaction in his throwing shoulder last season.

The Rangers also spent big last winter, handing out $500 million to sign shortstop Corey Seager and second baseman Marcus Semien.

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