Veteran Rangers RHP Jacob deGrom invokes no-trade clause

Texas Rangers right-hander Jacob deGrom will remain with the team after utilizing the no-trade clause in his contract, according to reports by The Athletic and MLB.com.

The team approached the two-time Cy Young winner about waiving his no-trade clause for a trade deadline deal that would send him to a contending team. The Atlanta Braves were mentioned frequently in reports that listed potential deGrom suitors.

However, deGrom, who has full approval on any trades during the five-year, $185 million contract he signed in December 2022, expressed that he'll remain with the Rangers.

"I want to be here," deGrom told reporters. "I believe in this group. ... I signed here to help this team win a World Series. In 2023, the team was able to do that. I want to be part of that in the future."

deGrom did not pitch for the Rangers during their 2023 postseason run to the franchise's first World Series triumph. He made six starts at the season's outset, but sustained a right elbow injury on April 28 that kept him off major league mounds until September 2024.

deGrom, who is under contract with Texas through the 2027 season, is 7-7 with a 3.96 ERA in 21 starts this season. He earned his fifth career All-Star nod last season and won consecutive Cy Young Awards in 2018-19 with the New York Mets. He also boasts the best ERA (2.67) among all active starting pitchers.

The 38-year-old has a career 103-72 record over 269 starts across 13 seasons, with 1,986 strikeouts and 374 walks over 1,653 1/3 innings.

The Athletic also reported that Rangers right-hander Nathan Eovaldi and shortstop Corey Seager could also be available for trades.

Eovaldi (10-9, 4.31 ERA this season) would have to waive his full no-trade clause. Seager (10 homers and 25 RBIs in 54 games this season), who just returned from a month on the injured list, has eight teams he can block a trade with, per his contract.

--Field Level Media