They say baseball is a game of inches, but try telling that to someone who’s spent years watching from the dugout with a multimillion-dollar arm in a medical sling. In a league where contracts age faster than pitchers, one man has flipped the script. Welcome back to MLB, where the resurrection of a two-time Cy Young winner has come with not just heat, but humility—and a brutally honest take on the mental grind.

What does it take to be one of the greats of this generation to have taken the mound? Command over the mound, pitching arsenal, baseball IQ, a good arm, and the best mental strength. You put all this together, and you get Jacob deGrom. He has been one of the best of this generation, but has gone through tough times. With his stellar comeback this season, he opened up about the struggles.

Bob Nightengale has recently written about what Jacob deGrom said about his struggles. “The main thing is the mental thing. You want to be out there competing. The goal was to always pitch as much as I could, take the ball as many times as I could. And when you don’t, you feel like a real letdown… And when you’re going to miss that much time, it’s tough.”

Injuries have defined deGrom’s recent years, limiting him to just 30 starts since 2021. He lost half of 2021 to elbow inflammation and a UCL issue. A shoulder blade stress reaction sidelined him for months in 2022. Then came Tommy John No. 2 in 2023, wiping out most of that season and nearly all of 2024.

Baseball isn’t just deGrom’s job—it’s his identity, his rhythm, his reason to grind. When injuries steal that, they don’t just hurt the body—they hollow out the soul. Months of rehab mean isolation, self-doubt, and relentless mental battles. You’re not just missing games—you’re missing purpose. And for someone wired to compete, watching from the sidelines can be emotionally brutal.

deGrom’s journey proves that even the fiercest arms can be humbled by time and injury. But in a sport where the spotlight rarely waits, his grit reminds us: Talent might win games, but resilience wins careers. After all, baseball isn’t just about throwing heat—it’s about throwing setbacks out of the park.

Aaron Judge and Jacob deGrom tip their hats at each other

In a league where every pitch and swing can make headlines, two giants of MLB—Jacob deGrom and Aaron Judge—turned a fierce rivalry into a masterclass of sportsmanship. While most expect bravado and trash talk, these two showed that respect still has a place on the diamond. When the best pitcher meets the best hitter, it’s less about the scoreboard and more about the silent nod of mutual admiration.

When Aaron Judge and Jacob deGrom faced off on May 21, 2025, the tension was electric.

Aaron Judge patiently worked a six-pitch walk in the first inning, showing his keen eye. Later, he fouled off five pitches with a full count before flying out in the third. Each encounter between them felt like a high-stakes chess match.

These two stars have built a fascinating rivalry over the years, representing baseball’s elite. Judge, a powerhouse for the Yankees, is known for his incredible hitting prowess. deGrom, pitching for the Rangers, is hailed as one of the greatest pitchers of this generation. Every matchup between them is a clash of titans, eagerly anticipated by fans across the league. Their respect for each other adds depth to their competitive spirit.

After the game, Judge praised deGrom, saying, “He’s one of the greatest pitchers of our generation.” Jacob deGrom responded with, “He’s probably the best hitter in baseball. Seeing what he’s doing this year, you just gotta make sure you make your pitches,” and warned pitchers to be careful.

Their mutual admiration highlights the intensity and respect behind their rivalry. And that makes their duel even more memorable on the diamond. Both players continue to push each other to new heights in baseball.

Their mutual respect may just be the real MVP of this fierce rivalry. In a sport often dominated by bravado, Judge and deGrom remind us that class never strikes out. While fans debate who’s better, these two quietly redefine what greatness looks like. Maybe the real showdown isn’t on the scoreboard, but in the way legends treat each other—with a tip of the hat and a nod of respect. If only more rivalries came with this kind of grace, baseball would truly be a home run.