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Rangers ace Jacob deGrom made his position clear before Monday’s MLB trade deadline: He wants to remain in Texas. Despite reports that at least one club had contacted the Rangers about his availability, the veteran right-hander said he believes in the organization and its ability to compete.
“I want to be here. I believe in this group,” deGrom said, according to the Associated Press. His comments came as Texas entered a crucial stretch of the season while trying to recover from a damaging slide in the American League West.
Rangers Receive a Powerful Vote of Confidence from deGrom
DeGrom’s full no-trade clause gave him significant control over any potential move. When asked whether the Rangers had presented specific trade possibilities, the 38-year-old pitcher declined to discuss details. However, his broader message was unmistakable: He was not looking for a way out of Arlington.
“Obviously, the last road trip didn’t go well, but I believe in this group, and I believe we can win,” deGrom said. “I signed here to help this team win a World Series. In ’23, the team was able to do that, and I want to be a part of that in the future.”
That loyalty is particularly notable because Texas has struggled to maintain its position in the division. The Rangers began Monday night’s home series opener against San Francisco with a season-worst five-game losing streak. A weekend sweep by Houston pushed Texas from a half-game division lead to 2½ games behind the Astros.
Critical AL West Pressure Builds Around Texas
The Rangers’ recent downturn has created questions about whether the club should have been more aggressive at the deadline or considered reshaping its roster. Instead, Texas made one trade Monday, sending utility player Josh Smith and minor league right-hander Josh Stephan to the Toronto Blue Jays for rookie left-hander Adam Macko. Smith and Macko were assigned to Triple-A clubs.
While the move did not dramatically change the major league roster, deGrom’s decision to remain could have a far greater impact. A healthy and effective deGrom gives Texas a proven frontline starter capable of influencing a postseason race, especially if the club can stabilize its offense and bullpen.
Jacob deGrom’s 2026 Season Shows Encouraging Signs
DeGrom is 7-7 with a 3.96 ERA in 21 starts this season. Although those numbers do not match his dominant 2025 campaign, when he went 12-8 with a 2.97 ERA over 30 starts, reaching 20 starts in consecutive seasons is an important milestone.
It is the first time deGrom has made at least 20 starts in back-to-back seasons since his consecutive National League Cy Young Award-winning campaigns with the New York Mets in 2018 and 2019.
The pitcher began this season strongly. He was 2-0 with a 2.67 ERA and 45 strikeouts as the Rangers won each of his first six starts through the end of April. His performance helped establish Texas as an early contender before inconsistency affected the club’s overall results.
DeGrom’s availability has been a central storyline since he signed a five-year, $185 million contract with Texas in free agency. He missed most of the 2023 season after undergoing elbow surgery, returning for the final three games of the 2024 campaign. His ability to stay healthy remains a major factor in the Rangers’ championship hopes.
Contract Option Adds Long-Term Stakes
DeGrom’s contract also contains a conditional option for the 2028 season. The option was triggered and will be worth either $20 million, $30 million or $37 million, depending on his performance and health.
That provision adds another layer to the Rangers’ long-term planning. Texas has not returned to the playoffs since winning its only World Series title in 2023, deGrom’s first season with the organization. His continued presence gives the club an established leader as it attempts to build another contender.
For now, deGrom’s message offers stability during an uncertain deadline period. The Rangers still face a difficult division race, but their ace has chosen belief over uncertainty. If Texas can reverse its losing streak, his decision to stay may become one of the most important developments of the season.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Jacob deGrom want to leave the Rangers?
No. DeGrom said before the trade deadline that he wanted to stay with Texas and believes the Rangers can compete for another World Series.
Why could deGrom control a potential trade?
DeGrom has a full no-trade clause in his contract, meaning he has the authority to block any trade involving him.
What are Jacob deGrom’s 2026 statistics?
DeGrom entered Monday with a 7-7 record, a 3.96 ERA and 21 starts during the 2026 season.
What did the Rangers receive at the trade deadline?
Texas sent Josh Smith and minor league pitcher Josh Stephan to Toronto in exchange for rookie left-hander Adam Macko.
When did the Rangers last win the World Series?
The Rangers won their first World Series championship in 2023, deGrom’s first season with the organization.
