The ace of the Texas staff has pitched like one. But how many innings does he have left as the Rangers float around playoff contention?

Right-handed starting pitcher Jacob deGrom is in his 12th major-league season and third as a member of the Texas Rangers. The 37-year-old veteran originally debuted for the New York Mets in 2014 where he cemented himself as one of the game’s best young talents winning National League Rookie of the Year.

deGrom won't be on the same team as his former Mets brethren on Tuesday when he suits up for the All-Star Game. But he did get the opportunity to reflect on his tenure and what it means to reconnect in his third season away from the Big Apple.