Time and time again, Jacob deGrom defines what it means to be an ace. Yet, the default thinking is that Noah Syndergaard is most worth of that elite term. I revert to it without thinking at times as well, mostly because of how powerful Syndergaard and his repertoire can be when at full strength. However, it's how each pitcher handles adversity and rises to occasion that is the true test of reliability and confidence and deGrom almost always passes that test with flying colors.
For instance, yesterday, with the Mets up just two runs, deGrom escaped a bases loaded, no out jam in the bottom of the sixth inning against the Nationals.