Jacob deGrom is back. Well, he’s back in the sense that he just finished a monstrous 2025 season with the Texas Rangers, racking up 30 starts and a shiny new AL Comeback Player of the Year trophy. But for the fans in Queens who still check his box scores like an ex-girlfriend’s Instagram, I’ve got some bad news.
The dream of a homecoming is basically on life support.
Despite the constant chatter from New York media and the "what if" scenarios floating around MLB Trade Rumors, it's looking like Jacob deGrom is unlikely to waive his no-trade clause for a Mets reunion. It’s not just about the money, though $185 million is a lot of "stay put" motivation. It's about a guy who finally found a rhythm outside the New York pressure cooker.
The Full No-Trade Clause is a Massive Roadblock
When deGrom signed that five-year deal with Chris Young and the Rangers back in 2022, he didn't just ask for the bag. He asked for total control. That full no-trade clause is a literal legal wall. Texas can’t even entertain an offer from Steve Cohen without Jake’s explicit, written "okay."
And honestly? Why would he give it?
People forget how much deGrom values routine. In Dallas, he’s settled. His family is comfortable. He’s away from the back-page tabloid drama that treats every tweaked hamstring like a national tragedy. Sources close to the situation, including the New York Post’s Joel Sherman, have consistently pointed out that deGrom’s comfort level in Texas is at an all-time high.
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- Contractual weight: He’s owed $38 million in 2026 and $37 million in 2027.
- The Tax Factor: Texas has no state income tax. Moving back to New York would effectively be a massive pay cut, potentially costing him upwards of $15 million over the life of the deal.
- The Veto Power: He has zero incentive to move his kids and life back to the Northeast unless Texas becomes a complete disaster zone.
The Rangers Finally Got What They Paid For
For two years, the Rangers paid deGrom to be the world's most expensive rehab patient. He threw a grand total of 41 innings across 2023 and 2024. But 2025 was the payoff.
He posted a 2.97 ERA over 172.2 innings. Those are "Ace" numbers. He isn't the 102-mph fireballer he was in 2021—he’s actually dialed back the velocity a tick to save his elbow—but his 1.77 ERA stretch between April and July last year proved he’s still the most dangerous pitcher on the planet when the lights are bright.
Texas isn't in a hurry to dump that. Sure, they’ve talked about "trimming payroll," but you don't trade the guy who just gave you 30 starts of sub-3.00 ball unless you’re getting a King’s Ransom back.
The Mets are looking for a top-of-the-rotation arm. David Stearns has been vocal about preferring the trade market over overpaying for free agents this winter. But there’s a massive gap between "wanting an ace" and "trading your best prospects for a 37-year-old with a history of arm surgery."
What Most People Get Wrong About the "Mets Connection"
There is this narrative that deGrom misses the Mets.
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He was emotional during his return to Citi Field in September 2025. He watched the tribute video, he heard the "Simple Man" entrance music, and he admitted it was "special." But being nostalgic isn't the same as wanting to move back.
He actually beat the Mets in that game. He went seven innings, gave up three runs, and looked perfectly content celebrating in the visitor's dugout.
The reality? The way his exit was handled left a bit of a sour taste for some. He opted out, he didn't really give the Mets a chance to match the Rangers' massive offer, and he headed for the exit. He’s a guy who wants to pitch, win, and go home to his ranch. Texas offers that. New York offers a fishbowl.
The Financial Math Just Doesn't Work
Let’s be pragmatic for a second. If the Mets wanted to bring him back, they’d be taking on:
- $75 million in guaranteed salary through 2027.
- A potential $20M-$37M club option for 2028 depending on health.
- The Luxury Tax hit, which for the Mets, essentially doubles the cost of every dollar spent.
Basically, Steve Cohen would be paying about $70 million a year for a pitcher who turns 38 this June. Even for a billionaire, that’s a tough pill to swallow when you have young arms like Jonah Tong and Nolan McLean starting to knock on the door of the big leagues.
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The Verdict on the Jacob deGrom Reunion
It’s fun to talk about. It makes for great sports radio. But between the no-state-tax benefit in Texas, the full no-trade clause, and the fact that the Rangers are actually trying to win again under Skip Schumaker, the logistics are a nightmare.
Jacob deGrom is a Ranger. He’s likely going to finish his career as a Ranger.
If you’re a Mets fan, you’re better off looking at younger, more durable options like Tarik Skubal or even a reunion with someone like Sean Manaea on a new deal. The deGrom era in Flushing is a beautiful memory, but the book is closed.
Actionable Insights for Following This Story:
- Monitor the Rangers' Payroll Moves: If Texas trades a star like Corey Seager first, it signals a total fire sale that might force deGrom to reconsider his "winning situation" requirement.
- Watch the Velocity: Check deGrom’s early Spring Training numbers. If he’s back up to 99-100 mph consistently, his trade value (and his risk of injury) sky-rockets.
- Ignore the "Homecoming" Fluff: Focus on the tax implications. Until someone offers to bridge the gap for the millions he saves by living in Florida/Texas, he isn't moving to New York.
The next time you see a headline about deGrom coming back to Citi Field, remember: the "Simple Man" likes his simple life in Texas just fine.
Next Steps for Mets Fans:
Keep a close eye on the trade market for Corbin Burnes or Max Fried if they hit the block later this year, as the Mets are pivoting toward pitchers with more "tread left on the tires" than the legendary No. 48.