Jacob deGrom has struck out 50 of the 101 batters he's faced this year.
He allowed only a single run, solidifying his position as the game's best starting pitcher since 2017.

What's Next for Jacob deGrom?

Tom Tango, MLB's senior data architect, ran a Twitter poll, and the vast majority of respondents believed deGrom owns a 75% chance or better to make the Hall.

Career Comparison

DeGrom's career path is unusual, having converted to pitching as a junior at Stetson University.
He's so good there is some talk about whether deGrom will have enough longevity to earn Hall of Fame enshrinement.

Historical Context

By traditional standards, deGrom would face an impossible task, needing 228 more wins to reach 300.
He has only 72 wins in 187 career starts despite a lifetime 2.55 ERA.

Peak Performance

Perhaps deGrom will change what many think is necessary on a Hall of Fame resume, with a focus on peak performance rather than accumulation of stats.
He's struck out 50 of the 101 batters he's faced this year, and allowed only a single run.

DeGrom's performance is comparable to Sandy Koufax, who finished with only 165 wins.
Koufax was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1972, and deGrom may follow a similar path.

The New York Mets' ace continues to improve in his early 30s.
He's the game's best starting pitcher since 2017 by WAR and ERA.

DeGrom will join Clayton Kershaw as a 33-year-old in a couple of months.
Kershaw broke into the major leagues in 2008, while deGrom was a freshman shortstop at Stetson University.

DeGrom didn't convert to pitching until he was a junior.
By the time Kershaw won his first Cy Young in 2011, deGrom had made six starts in rookie ball and was recovering from Tommy John surgery.

DeGrom's career is relatively short but brilliant, sparking discussions about his Hall of Fame chances.
He may alter how voters consider Hall performance, with a focus on peak performance rather than longevity.

The total number of players in major-league history stands at 19,963.
Only 68 are enshrined primarily for their work as a starting pitcher, making it a select group.

DeGrom's performance is a key factor in the Hall of Fame discussion.
He continues to dazzle the baseball world with his impressive stats and dominant pitching.