The Texas Rangers are gearing up for a fire sale at the trade deadline, but one big-name star isn't going anywhere. Jacob deGrom, the ace right-hander, has reportedly shut down any talk of a move, invoking his no-trade clause to stay put in Arlington.
According to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, the Rangers approached deGrom about waiving his no-trade protection to facilitate a deal before the 6 p.m. ET deadline. But the 38-year-old pitcher, who signed a five-year, $185 million contract with Texas in December 2022, told the team he wants to remain with the club. The contract includes full no-trade protection through 2027.
DeGrom's decision comes as the Rangers are expected to be among the most active sellers, with even young talents like Mackenzie Gore and Wyatt Langford reportedly available for the right price. The team's front office is exploring significant moves, including potential trades involving Corey Seager and Nathan Eovaldi, though those players also have no-trade clauses that could complicate matters.
Seager can currently block deals to eight teams, but he will gain full no-trade rights at season's end as a player with 10 years of service and five consecutive with the same team. Eovaldi, meanwhile, holds a full no-trade clause. The Rangers' willingness to listen on such key figures signals a full-scale rebuild, but deGrom's stance means he won't be part of the exodus.
The former New York Mets star has been sidelined for much of his Rangers tenure due to injuries, but when healthy, he remains one of the most dominant pitchers in baseball. His decision to stay could be seen as a commitment to the franchise, or perhaps a desire to avoid uprooting his family midseason. Either way, the Rangers will have to navigate the trade market without him.
While deGrom might be open to a move in the future, he's not interested in being traded right now. The Rangers, who are clearly in selling mode, will have to look elsewhere to stock their farm system. The trade deadline is heating up across the league, with teams like the Pirates and Cubs leading the charge in activity.
DeGrom's decision is a significant blow to the Rangers' potential return, as a healthy deGrom would have been a coveted asset on the market. But for now, he remains a Ranger, and the team will have to plan around his presence. The trade talks for other pitchers are likely to intensify as the deadline approaches, but deGrom won't be among them.
As the Rangers look to reshape their roster, deGrom's loyalty offers a rare bright spot in an otherwise uncertain season. The veteran's commitment to Texas may also send a message to fans that not everyone is jumping ship. For now, deGrom's focus is on returning to the mound and helping the Rangers compete, even if the front office has other plans.
