Braves’ Hopes of Acquiring Jacob DeGrom Derailed by Jeff Passan’s Trade Update

The Atlanta Braves have already made several key additions to their roster this offseason, signaling their intent to further bolster a team that’s already been a dominant force in the National League. With moves like bringing back Ha-Seong Kim to lock down the infield for the 2026 season, acquiring Mike Yastrzemski to add depth to the outfield, and strengthening the bullpen with Robert Suarez and Raisel Iglesias, the Braves seem poised for another competitive year. However, there remains a crucial area of concern—starting pitching.

As the Braves continue to make moves to improve their roster, there has been speculation about them acquiring another starting pitcher to strengthen the rotation. One of the names that popped up in trade rumors was Jacob DeGrom, the former New York Mets ace now with the Texas Rangers. However, according to ESPN insider Jeff Passan, those rumors may have been premature, and the Braves’ hopes of landing DeGrom this winter have been dashed.

Passan’s Update: DeGrom is “Unlikely to Go Anywhere”

When asked about the possibility of the Braves acquiring DeGrom, Passan poured cold water on the idea, stating, “Jacob DeGrom is unlikely to go anywhere.” This statement comes as a major blow to those who had hoped the Braves might capitalize on the potential availability of DeGrom, who had been a top-tier ace with the Mets before moving to Texas.

Rumors had been swirling that the Rangers, following a few offseason moves like trading Marcus Semien, could be open to making some big roster changes. There was even speculation that the Rangers might be looking to move key players, including DeGrom, who has had an injury-plagued but dominant career. However, Passan’s update puts those rumors to rest, confirming that DeGrom will likely remain in Texas for the 2025 season.

DeGrom’s Potential as a Rotation Piece for the Braves

The idea of adding DeGrom to the Braves’ rotation was enticing. When healthy, he remains one of the most electric pitchers in baseball, capable of dominating any lineup. With a fastball that regularly touches triple digits and a slider that baffles hitters, DeGrom could have been the ideal addition to a Braves rotation that already features stars like Max Fried, Spencer Strider, and Charlie Morton.

But while DeGrom’s skillset is undeniable, the reality of acquiring him this offseason seems less practical. As Passan noted, DeGrom would not come cheap. His injury history and high salary demands make him a risky acquisition, even for a team like the Braves, which has a track record of making bold moves. Given the other moves the Braves have already made this winter, adding DeGrom would stretch their payroll further and potentially create complications in their financial flexibility.

Rangers’ Plans: No Movement on DeGrom

According to Passan, the Rangers have no plans to move on from DeGrom this offseason. The team seems committed to keeping him in their rotation, which makes sense given his ability to dominate when healthy. While the Rangers did make some significant moves this winter, such as trading Marcus Semien and retooling their roster, DeGrom remains a central part of their pitching staff, and it appears they are content to hold onto him for the time being.

For Braves fans, this update may be disappointing, as DeGrom would have been a perfect addition to their already impressive rotation. However, the Braves will need to shift their focus to other potential trade or free-agent options if they wish to further strengthen their pitching staff.

Braves’ Other Offseason Moves and Payroll Considerations

Even though the dream of acquiring DeGrom has been dashed, the Braves have still made significant moves to improve their roster this winter. As mentioned earlier, they secured Kim for the infield, added Yastrzemski to provide outfield depth, and bolstered their bullpen with Suarez and Iglesias. These moves, combined with their existing strong core, make the Braves one of the favorites to compete for a championship in 2025.

But with their payroll already expected to be around $30 million higher than in 2025, the question now is whether the Braves will continue to add more pieces this offseason. They have made significant investments, but if they want to strengthen the rotation further, they may need to explore other options.

There are still several pitchers available on the market who could help round out the Braves’ rotation. Whether through trade or free agency, the Braves could opt to add another starter, though it remains to be seen whether they will be willing to stretch their payroll even further to make it happen.

Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Braves?

With DeGrom off the table, the Braves will need to turn their attention to other potential upgrades. They have already added some key players, but as Passan pointed out, adding another impactful player—particularly a starting pitcher—could be the final piece they need to solidify their chances for a deep postseason run.

The Braves will continue to monitor the market and explore trade opportunities, but one thing is clear: they won’t be making a splash with DeGrom this winter. Fans will have to adjust their expectations and look forward to other potential moves as the offseason progresses.