Cubs to Pursue Trade for Pitcher Jacob deGrom
Chicago eyes a deal for the veteran right-hander to bolster the rotation for the 2027 season.
Updated on Oct. 28, 2026 in Baseball
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The Chicago Cubs are weighing a potential trade for veteran pitcher Jacob deGrom during the 2026-27 offseason. The team looks to address depth issues after losing starting pitchers Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes to free agency.
Why it matters
Acquiring deGrom would provide a veteran anchor for the Chicago rotation, though the 38-year-old holds a full no-trade clause in his contract. Chicago must balance immediate pitching needs with the potential loss of top prospect Owen Ayers to secure the deal.
Jacob deGrom is slated to earn $37 million in the final year of his five-year contract, while prospect Owen Ayers posted a .289/.403/.526 slash line across three levels in 2026. deGrom has recorded five career playoff starts and 385 strikeouts over the last two seasons.
The players
Jacob deGrom
He is a veteran right-handed pitcher currently under contract with the Texas Rangers who holds a full no-trade clause.
Chicago Cubs
This is a professional Major League Baseball organization based in Chicago seeking to strengthen its starting rotation.
Owen Ayers
He is the number two prospect in the Chicago Cubs organization who played 125 games in 2026.
Texas Rangers
This is the Major League Baseball franchise that holds the contract for Jacob deGrom.
Justin Steele
He is a starting pitcher for the Chicago Cubs who was sidelined by an injury throughout the 2026 season.
The details
To complete a trade with the Texas Rangers, the Cubs may be required to include Justin Steele, who did not pitch in 2026 due to injury, alongside Owen Ayers. The Detroit Tigers remain a competitive threat in pursuit of the veteran starter.
Timeline
2015 marked the start of a period with only one postseason appearance for deGrom.
Jacob deGrom signed his five-year contract with the Texas Rangers in 2023.
In August 2026, Jacob deGrom successfully blocked a potential trade.
Owen Ayers achieved his .289/.403/.526 slash line during the 2026 season.
Jacob deGrom is scheduled to earn a salary of $37 million in 2027.
Season Trajectory
This potential acquisition follows the precedent set by the no-trade clause in MLB contracts, which grants the player significant leverage in determining his destination. The move marks a critical shift for the Cubs as they attempt to balance prospect development with the need for immediate rotation impact.
A trade for deGrom would necessitate moving Owen Ayers, potentially thinning the Cubs' future organizational depth at the plate. The transaction would also signal a return to high-payroll pitching expectations for the Chicago rotation following the departure of Kevin Gausman.
The takeaway
Securing a veteran pitcher like deGrom often comes at the cost of top-tier prospect talent and long-term financial flexibility. Fans should track whether the front office is willing to part with internal assets to address immediate holes in the starting rotation.
Further reading
For more on roster moves, visit Chicago Baseball.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
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