In what could become one of the most jaw-dropping twists of the MLB trade deadline, the Toronto Blue Jays are reportedly making a bold push to acquire one of the biggest arms in the game — and the target? None other than Jacob deGrom, the Texas Rangers’ $185 million ace and two-time Cy Young Award winner.
According to Jays Journal’s Bryan Jaeger, the Blue Jays have been encouraged to pursue a blockbuster trade for deGrom if the Rangers decide to shake things up before the deadline.
With the Blue Jays red-hot in the playoff race but lacking depth in their starting rotation, the move would be massive — and costly — but could instantly vault Toronto into serious World Series contention.
“If the Rangers’ front office leans toward selling, they could cash in big on deGrom’s name — especially with so few sellers on the market this year,” Jaeger wrote.
While no official trade has been completed, reports suggest that internal discussions in Toronto have already begun, and that the Blue Jays are prepared to take on deGrom’s full contract, which includes more than $115 million remaining through 2027, plus a potential $37 million player option in 2028.
For the Rangers, it’s a gut-wrenching possibility. DeGrom was signed in late 2022 to be the face of the franchise’s pitching staff — a dominant force to anchor their rotation for years to come. But recurring injuries have limited him to just 30.1 innings in 2023 before undergoing Tommy John surgery, casting doubt on how soon he’ll be able to return at full strength.
Still, even with the injuries, deGrom remains one of the most respected and feared pitchers in baseball. His presence in the clubhouse, veteran leadership, and pure talent are invaluable — and losing him now, especially to another contending AL team, would rattle the foundation of the Rangers’ future plans.
At the same time, Texas is facing hard questions. Sitting outside of playoff position and with their rotation already hit by injuries, the Rangers may be tempted to hit the reset button, free up payroll, and stockpile young assets.
The Blue Jays, on the other hand, are one of the few teams with the financial flexibility and playoff urgency to make such a deal happen. Though it would likely cost them some mid-tier prospects, they may be willing to pay the price — especially if it means adding a weapon like deGrom down the stretch and into 2026 and beyond.
⚾ A Deal That Could Shake the League
If this deal happens, it wouldn’t just be a major headline — it would be a seismic shift in the American League power dynamic. Toronto would gain a future Hall of Famer with unmatched postseason experience, while Texas would lose the centerpiece of their rotation — potentially sending shockwaves through the fan base.
The chances remain slim, but the conversations are getting louder. And in the world of baseball, the biggest moves often start with a whisper.
Rangers fans, brace yourselves — your ace might just be on the move.
