Braves continue to be linked to Jacob deGrom

The Rangers, despite being just 2.5 games back of the Astros in the AL West, are reportedly listening to offers for everyone on their roster. From a starting pitching standpoint, that includes deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, and MacKenzie Gore — all guys who come with multiple years of control and fit the billing of a playoff-caliber starter.

deGrom isn’t the Cy Young-winning pitcher he was earlier in his career, but he still has quite a bit left in the tank at 38, pitching to a 3.36 ERA and 3.51 FIP over his last 51 starts since the start of the 2025 season. Pairing him at the top of the rotation with Chris Sale would give the Braves a legitimate one-two punch that could go toe-to-toe with anyone come October.

The issue, however, is the contract. deGrom is making $38 million this year and another $37 million in 2027. He also comes with a $20 million club option for 2028 with no buyout. That’s a lot of cash for an aging pitcher who might not exactly qualify as an ace any longer.

The Rangers would probably have to pay down a considerable amount of that contract if they want some worthwhile prospects in return. It’s hard to imagine the Braves, who already have a pretty healthy payroll of their own, would be willing to foot the entirety of that bill, especially if they’re being asked to part with top prospects as well.