Jacob deGrom Leads AL Comeback Player of the Year Race

ARLINGTON, Texas — The race for the American League Comeback Player of the Year is heating up, with Texas Rangers pitcher Jacob deGrom emerging as a strong frontrunner. As of June 25, 2025, deGrom’s odds are heavily favored at -260, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

DeGrom is currently enjoying a stellar season, boasting a record of 7-2 and an impressive 2.24 earned run average (ERA), along with 87 strikeouts against 18 walks over 15 starts. Experts note that while his ground ball rate and exit velocity metrics are around league average, his other pitching stats are considered elite.

Despite deGrom’s dominance, concerns linger over his durability. After his next start, he will have pitched the most games in a single season since 2019, having only surpassed 30 starts four times in his career.

Another contender for the award is Minnesota Twins outfielder Byron Buxton, who is currently listed at +430 odds. Buxton, known for his injury struggles, had his best showing last year with 102 games played. His performance this season has brought renewed optimism.

Buxton is on track to surpass his previous career-high of 28 home runs, already hitting 17 home runs in just 62 games. He’s batting .280 and has accumulated 47 RBIs. His performance in June has been particularly noteworthy, posting a .313 batting average with 7 home runs and 17 RBIs.

Efficiency on the base paths has also been a highlight for Buxton, as he has 13 stolen bases without being caught. However, he has faced challenges with strikeouts, recording 73 strikeouts compared to 23 walks. Despite this, his confidence is apparent as he continues to take aggressive swings.

As the season progresses, Buxton’s potential to deliver a career year presents a compelling narrative. While deGrom is a deserving candidate, many are keeping an eye on Buxton as he aims to contend for the coveted award this year.