Bruce Bochy was sick the week following Thanksgiving. The next Thursday, GM Chris Young knew what would make him feel better.

I brought medication. Young called Bochy and said, "I got you a pitcher.

I'll never forget his "Holy smokes!" It took a while to comprehend.

I was overjoyed to bring him here.

I'm grateful to Jacob for coming to Texas and to CY, ownership, for stepping up to acquire a man we needed to lead this rotation.

One of baseball's best pitchers.

We needed his leadership.

The Rangers announced a five-year, $185 million agreement with the two-time National League Cy Young Award winner the next day.

Young and Bochy highlighted deGrom's leadership and preparation as well as his on-field performance.

“Many players said, ‘Do you know what it means to play behind somebody like this?'” Young said.