DeGrom: Goal is to win World Series with Rangers

Jacob deGrom left the New York Mets for the Texas Rangers to win a championship.

"That's the goal. Winning a World Series," deGrom said Thursday during his introductory press conference. "All these guys have that same vision, and it lined up with what I wanted to do. They showed a ton of interest from the start, and the feelings were mutual. Just very happy to be here."

The right-handed ace signed a five-year, $185-million deal with the Rangers. He joins a team that finished 68-94 in 2022 after adding Corey Seager and Marcus Semien last winter. Texas also landed veteran hurlers Andrew Heaney and Jake Odorizzi this offseason while re-signing left-hander Martin Perez.

The 34-year-old deGrom's personal accolades include Cy Young Awards and All-Star appearances, as well as ERA and strikeout titles. The closest he came to winning a ring was a 2015 World Series appearance with New York.

"There will always be a special place in my heart for the Mets and their fans," deGrom said, according to Newsday's Tim Healey.

The Mets finished 101-61 last season but lost in the wild-card round.