Braves get bad news on trade odds for ex-Mets, Rangers veteran ace

1 week ago 2

Braves get bad news on trade odds for ex-Mets, Rangers veteran ace originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Atlanta Braves have made a few quality additions this offseason, and more moves could be coming this winter.

Ha-Seong Kim coming back is huge, as it locks up the infield for the 2026 season. Mike Yastrezmski is also a nice pickup, as he'll help add quality depth to the outfield. Robert Suarez and Raisel Iglesias are both great additions. But the rotation could use some help.

When ESPN insider Jeff Passan was asked about the chance for the Braves to acquire a specific starter, specifically a Texas Rangers and former New York Mets ace, Passan's update poured cold water on those potential trade rumors.

Braves get bad news amid trade rumor from Jeff Passan

Passan was asked if Jacob DeGrom, the former Mets ace and current Rangers starter, could be traded to the Braves. Passan responded with, "Jacob DeGrom is unlikely to go anywhere."

There had been rumors swirling around that the Rangers were entertaining a sale, which could've included Corey Seager. They already traded Marcus Semien, so DeGrom also being a name to monitor isn't a far-fetched idea.

But this update from Passan on those trade odds confirms that the Braves, or any team for that matter, will not be getting DeGrom in a trade this winter.

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Atlanta has already spent a bit this winter, and acquiring DeGrom wouldn't be cheap. In theory, he'd be a great addition to the rotation. But, in practice, it doesn't make much sense.

The Rangers have no such plans to move on from him this offseason, and any fans, whether they're Braves fans or not, will have to dream about other potential trade or free agent additions this offseason.

There are some great options for the Braves if they want to spend more on a pitcher this winter, but the only question left is whether they will continue to add to their already $30 million higher payroll from the 2025 season.