Degrom Prioritizes Staying With Rangers Amid Trade Speculation

WHO:

MLB.com - Jacob deGrom, a right-hander for the Texas Rangers and two-time Cy Young Award winner.

MLB.com - The Texas Rangers, a Major League Baseball team.

MLB.com - Ken Rosenthal, a reporter for The Athletic.

MLB.com - Adam Macko, a left-handed pitcher acquired by the Rangers.

MLB.com - Josh Smith, a utilityman traded to the Toronto Blue Jays.

MLB.com - Josh Stephan, a right-handed pitcher traded to the Toronto Blue Jays.

WHAT:

MLB.com - Jacob deGrom is 7-7 with a 3.96 ERA and 135 strikeouts in 21 starts this season, covering 113 2/3 innings.

MLB.com - DeGrom has averaged just over five innings per start this season and held opponents to a .231 average while producing a 1.14 WHIP.

MLB.com - Josh Smith, who won the utility Silver Slugger Award in 2024, slashed .213/.299/.272 in 45 games this season.

MLB.com - Chris Martin, a 40-year-old right-hander, posted a 9.00 ERA in 14 innings across 16 relief appearances with Texas this season.

MLB.com - Jacob deGrom expressed his desire to remain with the Texas Rangers, stating, "I want to be here. I believe in this group."

MLB.com - DeGrom declined to waive his no-trade clause when asked by the Rangers.

MLB.com - The Rangers traded Josh Smith and Josh Stephan to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for Adam Macko.

MLB.com - Adam Macko has a 4.91 ERA, 10 walks, 23 strikeouts, and a 1.55 WHIP over 22 games this season.

MLB.com - Chris Martin, a veteran right-hander, was designated for assignment by the Rangers after posting a 9.00 ERA in 14 innings.

WHERE:

MLB.com - The Texas Rangers are based in Arlington, Texas.

MLB.com - Adam Macko will report to Triple-A Round Rock after the trade.

WHEN:

MLB.com - The 2026 Trade Deadline is set for Monday at 6 p.m. ET.

WHY:

MLB.com - Jacob deGrom signed with the Rangers to help the team win a World Series, stating, "I signed here to help this team win a World Series."

HOW:

MLB.com - The Rangers traded utilityman Josh Smith and Triple-A righty Josh Stephan, who was a Top 30 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, to the Toronto Blue Jays for left-hander Adam Macko.

MLB.com - The Rangers acquired Adam Macko in exchange for utilityman Josh Smith and Triple-A righty Josh Stephan.

In a significant trade, the Texas Rangers have sent utilityman Josh Smith and Triple-A righty Josh Stephan to the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for left-hander Adam Macko. This season, Jacob deGrom has a record of seven wins and seven losses, with a 3.96 ERA and 135 strikeouts over 21 starts, averaging just over five innings per outing. Meanwhile, Chris Martin has struggled with a 9.00 ERA in 14 innings across 16 relief appearances for Texas this year.