New York Mets: Jacob deGrom is working on refining his curveball

New York Mets, Jacob deGrom
Jul 9, 2019; Cleveland, OH, USA; National League pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) of the New York Mets throws against the American League during the third inning in the 2019 MLB All Star Game at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets‘ ace Jacob deGrom is one of the best pitchers of his generation. However, it is his drive to improve the trait that separates him from the pack. He is always trying to get better, no matter how good he is or how many Cy Young awards in a row he has won.

On Friday afternoon, he found himself in a simulated game, and he was working on improving a pitch he seldom uses: his curveball. According to Statcast, he threw the hook 2.9 percent of the time in 2019.

In fact, his usage of the curveball has slowly decreased over the years:

During the simulated game in Clover Park, he threw one to rehabbing slugger J.D. Davis and saw it go over the outfield wall. “That’s why I don’t throw that,” he said. Home run, ball crushed.

Before the Mets’ game against the Astros in West Palm Beach, deGrom pitched to Yoenis Céspedes, J.D. Davis, Tomás Nido, Jake Marisnick and Dominic Smith at the team’s Spring Training facility.

The Mets’ ace wants to gain consistency with the hook

DeGrom is hopeful that his curveball can be good enough to be part of his repertoire. “I’ve been trying to work on the curveball a little bit in between. It’s been good in the ‘pen, but for some reason in the game it seems to pop up. I’m trying to have it come out of my hand like a fastball and try to throw one on the plate. That one I just hung,” he said to Christina De Nicola of MLB.com.

During the 2019 season, batters hit .348 and slugged .435 on deGrom’s curveballs. They had a .364 wOBA. However, the expected numbers say he got a little bit unlucky and was victimized by small sample size (just 19 batted ball events involving the hook.)

In total, deGrom recorded 10 outs, struck out three and allowed one run on two hits — both to Davis.

The Mets’ ace will be pitching in live games in the three turns he has left before the start of the season.

“Warming up, I didn’t feel as comfortable as I’ve felt on the mound even in bullpens, the game I was in the other day,” deGrom said. “I didn’t feel as smooth [as those]. My front side was getting a little quick.”

If deGrom can trust and see results with his curveball, the New York Mets sure won’t complain.