The Atlanta Braves attempted to trade right-hander Spencer Strider to the Texas Rangers for Jacob deGrom prior to the 2026 Major League Baseball trade deadline, according to reporting by MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand. The potential blockbuster deal ultimately fell apart when deGrom exercised his full no-trade clause to block the move to Atlanta.
The Mechanics of the Uncompleted Trade
According to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman, Braves president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos pursued deGrom repeatedly in the weeks leading up to the deadline. The framework centered on a contract swap that would have sent Strider’s large salary to Texas in exchange for deGrom’s deal. Initially, the Rangers showed hesitation due to lingering concerns surrounding Strider’s right arm, but talks progressed enough that the transaction required deGrom’s final approval. DeGrom declined to waive his no-trade clause, keeping him with the Rangers.
Shifting Valuation for Spencer Strider
According to Feinsand’s offseason trade candidates reporting, Atlanta’s willingness to include Strider in trade discussions signals a clear shift in how the organization views its former ace. The Braves signed Strider to a six-year, $75 million extension in October 2022 following a dominant rookie campaign. He followed that up in 2023 by going 20-5 with a 3.86 ERA and an MLB-best 281 strikeouts, finishing fourth in National League Cy Young Award voting.
Injuries subsequently derailed his trajectory. Strider made only two starts in 2024 before undergoing surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his right elbow with an internal brace. He returned in 2025, but a hamstring strain interrupted his comeback, resulting in a 7-14 record and a 4.45 ERA across 23 starts. His struggles continued into 2026, where he went 4-2 with a 5.31 ERA over eight starts before right elbow inflammation forced him onto the injured list in June.
Contract Status and Future Outlook
Strider is owed $22 million in both 2027 and 2028, with a $22 million club option for 2029 that includes a $5 million buyout. While the Braves have kept open the possibility of using Strider out of the bullpen during the 2026 postseason if he recovers in time, Feinsand notes that the franchise could seek a trade partner this winter if a team is willing to bet on Strider returning to his previous form and bolstering their farm system in return.