Cubs Eye $185 Million Jacob deGrom Trade In Blockbuster Move

The Chicago Cubs are looking to fix their pitching rotation this winter, and the front office is talking about a massive move. Yahoo Sports reports that the team is linked to a blockbuster trade for veteran starter Jacob deGrom. This potential deal involves a five-year, $185 million contract that deGrom signed with the Texas Rangers back in 2023. The ace pitcher has one year left on that deal, but he holds a full no-trade clause that he has used before to block moves.

General Manager Jed Hoyer knows the rotation needs help after losing key veterans like Kevin Gausman and Clay Holmes. Shota Imanaga is also leaving as a free agent, which leaves a huge hole in the staff. Hoyer will likely look at free agency first, but a trade is not off the table. Zachary Rymer of Bleacher Report is the one linking the North Siders to deGrom in a major way.

The pitcher's upcoming $37 million salary will consume a large share of the payroll. Rymer believes Hoyer would want Texas to eat some of that salary to make the numbers work. The Rangers might even ask for a top prospect in return. The report specifically names Owen Ayers as a potential piece to include in the deal. A breakout season in 2026 defined Ayers, who stands as the second-ranked prospect within the Cubs organization.

Young Ayers slashed an impressive .289/.403/.526 across three levels this season. He hit 25 home runs and drove in 82 runs in 125 games. To satisfy Texas, the Cubs may need to include Justin Steele in the deal. Steele did not pitch in 2026 due to injuries, but he could be valuable trade bait if he returns to form next summer.

He has had major injury issues throughout his long career. Despite the scars, he has been very reliable over the last two seasons. In 61 starts during that stretch, he posted a combined 3.58 ERA and 4.7 WAR. He also struck out 385 batters.

Since 2015, DeGrom has made only a single appearance and holds exactly five career playoff starts. He is a five-time All-Star who is on a Hall of Fame track, but he lacks deep postseason experience. Joining a solid core like the Cubs could give him a real shot at a title. However, Hoyer will face competition if the pitcher agrees to leave Texas.