It was Jacob deGrom’s prerogative to turn down a potential trade to the Braves, but it surprised some folks, as deGrom gave up a chance to join the first-place team he followed as a kid and move closer to his Florida home.

We will never know what was behind deGrom’s decision, but it’s fair to assume he’s comfortable in Texas, which, thanks to the ultra-weak American League, is currently in wild-card position. He said he wants to win in Texas, but we’ll never know how heavily (if at all) comfort, taxes (Texas has no state tax) or anything else factored in.

The Braves went into the deadline targeting Tarik Skubal and deGrom, believing another top-of-the-rotation starter to pair with future Hall of Famer Chris Sale could enhance their World Series chances. They never got close on Skubal.

Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob Degrom delivers a pitch during the second inning against the Houston Astros at Daikin Park on Saturday, August 1, 2026, in Houston, Texas. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The Rangers also took calls on Nathan Eovaldi from the Phillies and others, and on MacKenzie Gore too. They were never seen as a real seller, though, as folks figured they were seeking financial flexibility to pursue bigger needs.