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          Can Jacob deGrom actually top Bob Gibson's 1.12 ERA?

          • Bradford Doolittle
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            Bradford Doolittle
            ESPN Staff Writer
            • Sports reporter, Kansas City Star, 2002-09
            • Writer, Baseball, Baseball Prospectus
            • Co-author, Pro Basketball Prospectus
            • Member, Baseball Writers Association of America
            • Member, Professional Basketball Writers Association
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          • David Schoenfield
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            David Schoenfield
            ESPN Senior Writer
            • Covers MLB for ESPN.com
            • Former deputy editor of Page 2
            • Been with ESPN.com since 1995
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          May 30, 2021, 07:00 AM ET

          Through seven starts, New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom has a miniscule 0.80 ERA. To simply say it's the best in MLB so far this season doesn't quite do it justice.

          No qualifying starting pitcher in modern history has posted an ERA under 1.00 for a full season. Yes, we've only reached Memorial Day weekend, but not only is this the Year of the Pitcher, deGrom is a legit challenger -- a two-time Cy Young winner and arguably the best pitcher in the game. If he can stay healthy -- which, to be fair, has been an issue for him in 2021 -- who says he can't break Bob Gibson's record 1.12 ERA set more than 50 years ago?