- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 1,246,018
- Reaction score
- 59
You must be registered for see images attach
Jacob deGrom makes trade wishes clear to Rangers as deadline speculation builds originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Jacob deGrom does not appear interested in becoming the latest superstar pitcher to change teams before the MLB trade deadline.
The two-time Cy Young Award winner has informed the Texas Rangers that he wants to stay with the organization, according to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal. That decision matters because deGrom has a full no-trade clause, giving him the power to block any proposed move. Even if another contender presented Texas with an overwhelming offer, the Rangers could not complete the trade without deGrom’s approval.
His message to the organization now appears clear: He wants to remain in Texas. The development could end any speculation surrounding one of the most accomplished pitchers who might have been available. DeGrom’s name would have immediately attracted interest from contenders searching for a proven postseason starter.
Jacob deGrom controls his future with Rangers
Texas entered Monday with a 55-57 record, sitting 2.5 games behind the Houston Astros in a crowded American League West race.
The Rangers had lost five consecutive games, creating questions about whether the organization might consider selling before the deadline. DeGrom would have been one of the most valuable players Texas could move if it decided to prioritize the future.
His no-trade clause always made that possibility complicated. DeGrom is 7-7 with a 3.96 ERA and 1.14 WHIP through 21 starts this season. He has recorded 135 strikeouts against only 29 walks over 113 2/3 innings.
Although those numbers do not match the historic dominance he displayed at his peak with the New York Mets, deGrom has remained an effective starter when healthy. The 38-year-old has been especially strong at Globe Life Field. He is 4-2 with a 3.04 ERA and 69 strikeouts across 56 1/3 home innings.
His most recent outings have been more difficult. DeGrom allowed five earned runs in two of his final three July and August starts, including seven hits and five walks over 3 1/3 innings against the Astros on Aug. 1. Still, his combination of experience, command and strikeout ability would make him attractive to almost any contender.
MORE: Brewers acquire Guardians catcher Bo Naylor in deadline trade
Rangers face important deadline decision
DeGrom’s desire to stay does not necessarily prevent Texas from making other moves, but it removes a potentially franchise-altering trade from consideration unless he changes his position. The Rangers signed deGrom to a five-year, $185 million contract before the 2023 season. Injuries limited him to only six starts during his first year in Texas, and he missed most of the following season while recovering from Tommy John surgery.
His return to a full workload has been significant for a Rangers rotation that also includes Nathan Eovaldi, MacKenzie Gore and Kumar Rocker. Texas now must decide how aggressively to approach the deadline. The Rangers remain close enough to the division lead to justify adding talent, but their losing streak and sub-.500 record have left the front office with a difficult choice.
Keeping deGrom would preserve a veteran anchor for the remainder of the season and beyond. It would also send a clear message that the Rangers have not abandoned their hopes of making another run. A trade involving deGrom always required his cooperation. According to Rosenthal’s report, the star right-hander has already told Texas what he wants.
Unless something changes, deGrom intends to remain a Ranger.
More MLB news:
- Phillies plan major Bryce Harper position change after Luis Arraez trade
- Cubs land Kevin Gausman in blockbuster trade with Blue Jays
- Twins acquire Dean Kremer from Orioles in MLB trade deadline move
Continue reading...
