As the MLB trade deadline draws closer, rumors and hypothetical trade ideas continue to dominate conversations around baseball. One recent proposal, however, is one that New York Mets fans would likely hate more than almost any other.
The idea? Jacob deGrom the longtime face of the Mets’ pitching staff ending up with the Atlanta Braves, one of New York’s fiercest National League East rivals.
While the scenario remains purely speculative, it has gained attention after Atlanta Journal-Constitution beat writer Justin Toscano, who previously covered the Mets, floated the possibility as a move that could make sense for the Braves.
Former Mets Ace Joining Atlanta Would Be a Nightmare for New York
Few players in recent Mets history are as closely identified with the franchise as Jacob deGrom.
The two-time Cy Young Award winner spent nearly a decade dominating hitters in New York before leaving in free agency to sign with the Texas Rangers.
Now, with the Rangers hovering around the playoff picture and the trade deadline approaching, speculation has begun over whether Texas could consider moving the veteran right-hander—particularly if it means shedding a significant financial commitment.
For Mets fans, seeing deGrom pitch anywhere is one thing.
Seeing him wear a Braves uniform would be something entirely different.
Rangers Could Face Difficult Decision
Texas currently remains in the American League playoff race, but the club’s position is far from secure.
Although the Rangers sit atop the AL West, the division remains tightly contested, with both the Seattle Mariners and Houston Astros within striking distance.
If Texas unexpectedly falls out of contention, the front office could be forced to evaluate whether keeping deGrom is the best long-term decision.
The veteran is still owed approximately $37 million next season, and moving that contract could provide financial flexibility while bringing back valuable assets.
deGrom Still Effective, But Signs of Aging Are Emerging
At 38 years old, deGrom continues to show flashes of the elite pitcher he was during his prime in New York.
This season, he owns a 7-6 record with a 3.76 ERA, respectable numbers but no longer the dominant production fans grew accustomed to during his Cy Young years.
His latest outing also raised some concerns.
Returning after missing time due to a minor injury that did not require an injured list stint, deGrom allowed five runs over 4.2 innings after going nearly two weeks between starts.
While he remains capable of delivering quality performances, durability and consistency have become increasing questions as he enters the later stages of his career.
Complicated Legacy Since Leaving the Mets
DeGrom’s departure from New York has produced mixed emotions among Mets fans.
Although he helped the Rangers capture a World Series title during his first season with the organization, injuries limited his contribution to that championship run.
Across the 2023 and 2024 seasons, he made only nine combined starts before finally returning to form in 2025.
That season, deGrom finished 12-8 with a 2.97 ERA, earning an eighth-place finish in the American League Cy Young Award voting and reminding everyone why he remains one of baseball’s most accomplished pitchers.
Why Atlanta Could Make Sense
From the Braves’ perspective, adding deGrom could be an intriguing gamble.
Atlanta remains built to compete for championships and could benefit from adding an experienced frontline starter for another postseason run.
The move would also reunite deGrom with former Mets pitching coach Jeremy Hefner, who is now part of Atlanta’s coaching staff.
Geographically, the fit could also appeal to the veteran right-hander, as Atlanta is considerably closer to his Florida home than Texas.
For a player nearing the end of his career, joining a perennial contender located closer to family could make the idea attractive.
Mets Fans Hoping It Never Happens
For New York supporters, however, the thought of watching one of the greatest pitchers in franchise history wearing Braves colors would be difficult to accept.
The rivalry between the Mets and Braves has produced countless memorable moments over the years, and seeing deGrom potentially strengthen one of New York’s biggest rivals would only add another painful chapter.
At the moment, the idea remains nothing more than speculation.
Still, with the trade deadline approaching and contenders evaluating every opportunity to improve, it serves as a reminder that baseball’s rumor season can produce scenarios few fans ever want to imagine.
Leave a Reply