MLB insider reveals Braves tried to trade Spencer Strider for Jacob deGrom

The Atlanta Braves tried to pull off one of the major moves ahead of the MLB trade deadline when they tried to acquire right-hander and future Hall of Famer Jacob deGrom from the Texas Rangers.

The two sides reportedly had the framework of a deal agreed on before deGrom invoked his no-trade clause and blocked a deal to Atlanta. Just a month after that, MLB insider Mark Feinsand revealed a major arm could've gone to Texas in the deal.

Atlanta tried to trade Spencer Strider to Texas

According to Feinsand, the Braves attempted to send right-hander Spencer Strider to the Rangers in exchange for deGrom. Feinsand discussed why Atlanta could further ramp up its attempts to trade the former ace again in the offseason.

“Although deGrom blocked the deal with his no-trade clause, it’s clear that Atlanta is open to moving its former ace," Feinsand wrote. "Strider is owed $22 million in each of the next two seasons with a $22 million club option ($5 million buyout) for 2029, so if the Braves can find a team willing to bet he can return to his previous form, they could look to move him."

Spencer Strider has really struggled since 2023

Strider burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2022, making 31 appearances and 20 starts while posting a 2.67 ERA with 202 strikeouts across 131 2/3 innings. His production took a huge leap in 2023, as he made 32 starts, going 20-5 with a 3.86 ERA and 281 strikeouts across 186 2/3 innings pitched. Since then, though, Strider has struggled with production and health.

Strider has made just 33 starts since the beginning of 2024 and has not posted an ERA below 4.45. It's been a complete letdown for what appeared to be one of the future stars on the mound.