Jacob deGrom to Yankees: What a blockbuster deal could look like

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NEW YORK — Jacob deGrom might be on the move again — and this time, it’s the Bronx that could come calling.

A likely blockbuster trade between the New York Yankees and Texas Rangers has stirred widespread debate across baseball circles, with the Yankees reportedly interested in acquiring the two-time Cy Young Award winner in exchange for three of their top-20 prospects. Though no deal has been finalized, league sources say conversations are “ongoing” and “gaining momentum” as the trade deadline approaches.

According to the suggested framework, the Yankees would receive RHP Jacob deGrom, while Texas would acquire outfielder Everson Pereira (No. 12 prospect), right-hander Cade Smith (No. 14), and infielder Jorbit Vivas (No. 19) — a return built on youth and upside.

A New York return in the making?

Jacob deGrom, 36, is no stranger to New York fans. The former Mets ace captivated Citi Field for nearly a decade before signing a five-year, $185 million deal with Texas in December 2022. Now, just three years into that pact — and on the heels of a promising return from injury — deGrom’s name is once again tied to the Empire State.

“If the Rangers fall out of the AL West race, deGrom would be a wild addition to a contender in the short term,” analyst Gary Sheffield Jr. wrote Sunday on X. “Insane.”

The suggestion isn’t baseless. The Rangers have slipped to 29-31 in a competitive AL West and could pivot toward selling if June doesn’t go their way. With Texas leaning into a youth movement centered around arms like Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter, moving a high-salary veteran could be a logical next step — especially with Max Scherzer nearing free agency and Nathan Eovaldi the more reliable in-house option.

Yankees searching for pitching certainty

For the Yankees (36-22), adding deGrom would be a bold swing at shoring up a rotation battered by injuries and inconsistency. With Gerrit Cole still rehabbing from an elbow issue while Luis Gil is yet to make debut this season following lat injury. Marcus Stroman is only a shadow of his former self. Max Fried and Carlos Rodon are facing workload concerns, as Will Warren and Clarke Schmidt are not reliable enough. Acquiring deGrom offers postseason-caliber stability — assuming he staus health.

“Jacob deGrom, at full strength, starts Game 1 of a playoff series,” one AL executive told PinstripesNation.com. “There’s no doubt about the upside. The only question is durability.”

deGrom has already made 12 starts in 2025, more than any of his previous four seasons. He holds a 2.42 ERA, 5-2 record, ranks top-15 in strikeout rate (66), 0.98 WHIP, and is averaging 97.1 mph on his fastball. According to Baseball Savant, his advanced metrics remain elite. His walk rate is down, his whiff rate is among the best in baseball, and he’s generating soft contact in over 20% of at-bats.

Still, caution looms. deGrom hasn’t thrown more than 92 innings in a season since 2019 and owns a lengthy injury history that includes forearm strains, shoulder tightness, and 2023 Tommy John surgery.

A financial and strategic gamble for Yankees

deGrom is earning $40 million this season and has two more guaranteed years left on his contract through 2027 ($38 million in 2026, $37 million in 2027), with a vesting option of $20 million for 2028. His contract includes a full no-trade clause, which he would need to waive to join the Yankees — a move industry insiders believe he would consider, given the franchise’s contention status and New York familiarity.

There are also built-in bonuses: $250,000 for a Cy Young win, $100,000 for All-Star selections, and escalators tied to innings pitched and performance. While expensive, the upside remains undeniable.

“Would a contender take the risk?” asked Joel Sherman of the New York Post. “With his stuff and résumé, there’s always someone willing to roll the dice — especially in October.”

What would Texas get in return?

The proposed package centers on upside, with MLB-ready help.

Everson Pereira, 23, has shown flashes of power at Triple-A but still struggles with swing-and-miss issues.

Cade Smith, 22, is drawing attention for his developing fastball-slider combo and is seen as a future bullpen or back-end starter option.

Jorbit Vivas, 24, is a steady utility infielder who can hit for average and brings defensive versatility — a useful depth piece for Texas.

It’s not a premium package by prospect standards, but with deGrom’s injury history and financial baggage, the Rangers may not be able to command a top-five organizational talent in return.

Why should the trade be now?

Timing is everything.

deGrom’s value may never be higher this season. He’s healthy, dominant, and approaching a key innings threshold. If the Rangers wait too long and his health falters, the return drops. Conversely, if they act now, they can capitalize on his sharp stretch while clearing payroll for future moves.

The Rangers have Nathan Eovaldi and can expect Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter to fill the ace gap, if it emerges.

“Chris Young is not patient,” Sherman wrote of the Rangers’ head of baseball ops. “They could be deadline shapers.”

For the Yankees, the calculus is different. With the postseason firmly in their sights and the AL East as competitive as ever, adding a weapon like deGrom could push them over the top.

The road ahead

Nothing is done yet. The Boston Red Sox, the Houston Astros, and the Dodgers are also cited as potential destinations. But the Jacob deGrom-to-Yankees chatter has grown louder, and for good reason.

If Texas chooses to sell — and deGrom stays healthy — the Yankees have the prospects, financial flexibility, and urgency to make it happen.

It would be a blockbuster. It would be risky. And it would be very, very Yankees.

What do you think? Leave your comment below.

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