Revealed: Rangers Nearly Traded Jacob deGrom to Braves in Blockbuster Spencer Strider Swap

One of the most intriguing near-miss trades in recent MLB history has come to light, revealing how close the Texas Rangers came to executing a stunning pitcher swap with division rival Atlanta Braves. New reporting confirms the clubs seriously discussed a deal that would have sent two-time Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom to Atlanta in exchange for hard-throwing right-hander Spencer Strider, a transaction that would have reshaped both franchises' rotations before deGrom exercised his contractual rights to block the move.

The Blockbuster That Almost Was

In the weeks leading up to the 2024 trade deadline, the Rangers and Braves engaged in substantive discussions about a rare direct exchange of established starting pitchers. MLB.com's Mark Feinsand reported Thursday that Texas and Atlanta explored a framework that would have sent deGrom to the Braves in return for Strider, creating what would have ranked among the most significant pitching trades in recent seasons. The New York Post's Jon Heyman had previously signaled trade talks involving deGrom at the deadline, but the specific inclusion of Strider as the centerpiece return had remained undisclosed until Feinsand's revelation.

The proposed trade would have marked a rare instance of two premier right-handed starters changing teams in a direct swap. Such pitcher-for-pitcher trades are uncommon in modern baseball, especially involving established veterans with significant contracts. The deal would have represented a bold gamble for both franchises as they handled competing timelines and injury concerns with their respective aces.

Why the Deal Collapsed

The proposed trade ultimately failed to materialize because deGrom invoked his no-trade clause, a standard contractual right for veteran stars that allows them to veto transactions to certain teams. The 38-year-old right-hander declined to waive this provision, choosing to remain with the Rangers despite the potential move to a perennial playoff contender in Atlanta. DeGrom has consistently expressed his commitment to Texas since signing a five-year, $185 million contract with the club in December 2022 after nine standout seasons with the New York Mets.

This decision underscores the growing influence of player agency in modern roster construction. Unlike in previous eras when teams could unilaterally dictate player movement, today's stars often negotiate no-trade protections that give them control over their destinations. DeGrom's choice to stay in Texas rather than join a Braves team currently leading the NL East reflects both personal preference and his belief in the Rangers' future.

The Financial Framework

The proposed swap would have represented a complex financial arrangement between two substantial pitching contracts. DeGrom is owed $37 million in 2027 with a $20 million club option for 2028, while Strider is under contract for $22 million over the next two seasons with a team option for 2029. The structure suggested what Feinsand described as a "contract swap," with both teams absorbing significant financial commitments while addressing their respective rotation needs.

For Texas, the deal would have represented an opportunity to move an aging pitcher's long-term money for a younger arm, while Atlanta would have taken on additional salary to bolster their championship aspirations. The Rangers would have saved approximately $15 million in guaranteed money while acquiring a pitcher six years younger than deGrom. However, Strider's own injury concerns and recent performance struggles would have made this a risky financial proposition.

Performance and Injury Context

Both pitchers involved in the near-trade bring elite track records but concerning injury histories. DeGrom has been relatively durable over the past two seasons, making at least 25 starts in consecutive years for the first time since his back-to-back Cy Young campaigns in 2018-19. The veteran right-hander has posted a 3.80 ERA across 149 1/3 innings in 2024, showing some decline from his peak dominance but remaining an effective frontline starter.

Strider, meanwhile, has battled through injuries and performance struggles this season, compiling a 5.31 ERA in just eight starts while dealing with recurring elbow problems that required surgery in 2024 and have limited him to 33 starts since the beginning of the season. The 27-year-old's combination of electric stuff and durability concerns made him an intriguing but risky acquisition target for Texas.

Roster Strategy for Both Clubs

The proposed trade revealed distinct roster-building philosophies for both franchises. For Atlanta, acquiring deGrom would have represented a classic win-now move to bolster their rotation with postseason experience, despite the pitcher's advancing age and substantial contract. The Braves have demonstrated a willingness to make bold moves to maintain their status as National League contenders, and adding a pitcher of deGrom's caliber would have fit that aggressive pattern.

For Texas, facing a disappointing follow-up to their 2023 World Series title, acquiring Strider might have represented a pivot toward building around younger arms, though his own injury concerns and 2024 struggles would have made that a risky long-term play. The Rangers' interest in the deal suggests they were at least considering a partial reset after failing to replicate last year's championship form.

Historical Significance

This aborted transaction carries historical significance as one of the most notable near-trades in recent memory between division rivals. The last major trade between the Rangers and Braves occurred in 2015 when Atlanta sent shortstop Andrelton Simmons to Texas in exchange for pitchers Sean Newcomb and Chris Ellis. A deGrom-Strider swap would have dwarfed that deal in both star power and financial implications.

The revelation also adds an extra layer of intrigue to future matchups between the clubs, as fans can now speculate how the rotations might have looked with the pitchers switching uniforms. It also raises questions about how the Rangers and Braves might approach future trade discussions given how close they came to completing this blockbuster.

Broader MLB Implications

The near-trade underscores several important dynamics in modern baseball roster construction. First, it demonstrates how individual player decisions, particularly those with no-trade protection, can dramatically alter franchise trajectories. Second, the proposed deal highlights how front offices balance short-term contention windows against long-term financial flexibility, especially when dealing with expensive veteran arms.

The Rangers' willingness to discuss moving deGrom just 18 months after signing him to a massive contract illustrates how quickly circumstances can change for teams that don't meet expectations. Meanwhile, the Braves' interest in adding another high-priced starter despite already fielding one of baseball's deepest rotations shows their relentless pursuit of marginal upgrades that could make the difference in October.

The Injury Factor

The trade discussions occurred against the backdrop of significant injury concerns for both pitchers. DeGrom has remained relatively healthy over the past two seasons, making at least 25 starts in consecutive years for the first time since his Cy Young seasons. However, he turned 38 in June, and his injury history includes multiple elbow and shoulder issues that caused him to miss significant time earlier in his career.

Strider's medical history is even more concerning in the short term. The young right-hander has made just 33 big league starts since the beginning of the 2024 season thanks to a string of injuries, including elbow surgery in 2024, a hamstring strain last year and oblique and elbow issues this season. These health concerns would have significantly impacted the risk assessment for both teams in considering the swap.

Looking Ahead

For deGrom, remaining in Texas allows him to continue building his legacy with the Rangers as they attempt to return to contention. The pitcher has maintained that his decision to stay wasn't a reflection on Atlanta's organization but rather his commitment to seeing through his contract in Arlington.

Strider now faces a critical rehabilitation period as the Braves hope their young flamethrower can return to his 2022-23 form when he posted a 3.36 ERA across 56 starts. While this particular trade didn't materialize, its revelation provides fascinating insight into how front offices operate at the deadline and the complex calculus behind potential franchise-altering moves that could have reshaped two National League rotations.