Jacob deGrom appears to have made his position clear as the Texas Rangers approach an important point in their season.
With the MLB trade deadline approaching and Texas facing uncertainty about whether it should buy or sell, speculation had emerged about whether the veteran right-hander could become one of the biggest names available. However, according to a report from The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, deGrom has told the Rangers that he wants to remain with the organization.
That decision could effectively take one of the most accomplished pitchers in baseball off the trade market.
DeGrom has significant control over his future because his contract includes a full no-trade clause. That means the Rangers cannot simply accept an offer from another team and move him without his approval. Even if a contender were willing to make an enormous offer for the two-time Cy Young Award winner, deGrom would have the final say.
For now, it appears his preference is to stay in Texas.
DeGrom Has Control Over His Situation
The timing of deGrom’s reported decision is particularly interesting because the Rangers entered Monday at 55-57 and were 2.5 games behind the Houston Astros in the American League West.
Texas had also dropped five straight games, creating questions about what direction the organization would take before the deadline.
The Rangers are not completely out of the postseason picture. Their position in the division means they could still make a push if they turn things around. At the same time, their record has raised legitimate questions about whether the front office should add pieces for a playoff run or begin thinking more seriously about the future.
If Texas had decided to sell, deGrom could have been one of the most intriguing players available.
A healthy deGrom with postseason experience would naturally attract interest from teams searching for another frontline starter. His combination of strikeout ability, command and big-game experience would make him a potentially valuable addition to a contender.
But his no-trade protection has always meant that Texas would need his cooperation.
Now, with the pitcher reportedly making his desire to remain in Arlington known, the Rangers appear unlikely to explore that possibility unless his position changes.
DeGrom Remains an Effective Starter
The 38-year-old has not quite recreated the extraordinary level of dominance that made him one of the game’s most feared pitchers during his best years with the New York Mets.
Still, his 2026 numbers show that he remains capable of giving Texas quality innings.
Through 21 starts, deGrom is 7-7 with a 3.96 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP. He has also produced 135 strikeouts while issuing just 29 walks over 113 2/3 innings.
Those numbers demonstrate that his ability to miss bats and limit free passes remains a major part of his game.
DeGrom has also been particularly productive at Globe Life Field this season. At home, he owns a 4-2 record with a 3.04 ERA and 69 strikeouts across 56 1/3 innings.
His recent outings, however, have been less encouraging.
DeGrom surrendered five earned runs in two of his final three starts during the July-August stretch. His most difficult appearance came against Houston on Aug. 1, when he gave up seven hits and five walks while allowing five earned runs in only 3 1/3 innings.
Even with those struggles, his overall body of work and experience would make him a significant target for a contender if he were willing to waive his no-trade protection.
Rangers’ Deadline Plans Remain Uncertain
The deGrom situation is only one part of a much bigger decision facing the Rangers.
Texas must determine whether its current roster is capable of making a serious postseason push or whether the organization should focus on improving its long-term outlook.
The Rangers still have enough talent to make the decision difficult.
Their rotation features several notable arms, including Nathan Eovaldi, MacKenzie Gore and Kumar Rocker, alongside deGrom. Keeping deGrom healthy and productive could be especially important if Texas decides that it still has a realistic chance of competing for the division.
The alternative would be to move veterans and acquire assets that could strengthen the club in future seasons.
For now, deGrom’s reported preference gives Texas one less complicated decision to make. The organization cannot trade him without his permission, and the pitcher apparently has no desire to leave.
A Significant Investment in Texas
DeGrom’s commitment to the Rangers also comes after the organization made a major financial investment in him.
Texas signed the veteran to a five-year, $185 million contract before the 2023 season, making him one of the major pieces of its pitching plans.
Unfortunately, injuries prevented him from immediately delivering the kind of consistent production the Rangers hoped to receive.
DeGrom made only six starts during his first season with Texas before injury problems sidelined him. He then missed much of the following campaign while recovering from Tommy John surgery.
His ability to return to a full workload has therefore been an important development for the Rangers.
The organization knows what deGrom can provide when healthy. His postseason experience and track record at the highest level could become extremely valuable if Texas manages to turn its season around.
At the same time, his age and injury history mean the Rangers must carefully consider how they manage his workload moving forward.
DeGrom’s Decision Sends a Message
The biggest takeaway from the latest report is that deGrom appears committed to the Rangers.
That could be significant for a team trying to determine its direction.
If Texas decides to become a buyer, deGrom could remain one of the key veteran pieces around whom the rotation is built. If the Rangers ultimately decide to sell, however, his no-trade clause means they cannot automatically include him in their plans.
His decision also sends a message to the organization and its supporters.
Despite the Rangers’ losing streak and sub-.500 record, deGrom apparently still believes remaining in Texas is the best option for him.
The situation could change if the club’s circumstances shift dramatically, but based on the current report, the veteran pitcher does not appear interested in joining another contender before the deadline.
For the Rangers, that means the focus now shifts to the rest of the roster.
Texas must determine whether it has enough firepower to compete with the Astros and other American League contenders. If the front office believes a playoff run remains realistic, adding reinforcements could make sense. If not, the Rangers may have to consider other difficult decisions.
One thing, however, appears settled for now.
Jacob deGrom wants to stay in Texas, and because of his full no-trade clause, he has the power to make sure his preference is respected.
Unless his stance changes, Rangers fans can expect to see the two-time Cy Young winner remain in the Texas rotation as the club attempts to navigate a crucial stretch of the season.
