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Rangers Could Receive Major Haul from Cubs for deGrom
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- Rangers Could Receive Major Haul from Cubs for deGrom
(IMAGN Images via Reuters Connect)
If Jacob deGrom's name is indeed on the trade block, Bleacher Report 's Zachary Rymer has proposed a unique package for the Texas Rangers .
Coming off a really solid year, this could be the opportunity the Rangers need to "sell-high" on the 38-year-old.
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deGrom has made 30-plus starts in each of the last two seasons, so it seems like his health issues are finally behind him.
That said, how much does deGrom have left in the tank? The Rangers are desperate to make the playoffs in 2027 after a disappointing end to the 2026 campaign. So, it'll be interesting to see what moves they make in the offseason, and if they do indeed explore this haul from the Chicago Cubs .
Rangers must think about trading deGrom
deGrom made it crystal clear at the trade deadline that he had no interest in being traded, but that doesn't mean the Rangers can't revisit these conversations.
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At the end of the day, deGrom isn't going to care what the package is that's put together in his deal; he's only going to care about the destination.
How does a trip to Chicago with manager Craig Counsell sound?
Rymer's package sends deGrom to the Cubs for left-handed pitcher Justin Steele and catcher Owen Ayers.
Ayers is currently the No. 96 overall prospect, so it gives the Rangers a bit of extra catching depth after Kyle Higashioka declined his mutual option, and then they're able to add another pitcher in Steele.
For reference, Steele is 31 years old. He hasn't appeared in the big leagues since April 7, 2025, but that game just so happened to be against the Rangers.
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Steele threw seven shutout innings and allowed just three hits. Eight of his 21 strikeouts came in that game when he improved to 3-1.
Sadly for Steele, a flexor strain delayed his comeback after the left elbow surgery in 2025.
Steele went through a minor-league rehab assignment in 2026, but wasn't ever able to pitch for the Cubs this season.
So, the question is, do the Rangers trade an injury-prone pitcher for one coming off a major surgery?
This doesn't feel like the best package in the world, but there aren't going to be a lot of teams who want to eat up deGrom's $37 million deal in 2027.
Remember, there's also a $20 million club option in 2028, but that's a story for another time.
