The New York Mets are expected to be proactive in upgrading their roster ahead of the MLB trade deadline in July. One insider suggests the team should consider reuniting with franchise icon Jacob deGrom.
With the Mets tied for the league’s best record heading into Thursday’s game, it’s clear their strong performance last season wasn’t a fluke. They’re a serious championship contender in 2025, so strengthening their roster for a title run is likely a priority for the front office. Even though their pitching staff ranks among the league’s best, having additional skilled pitchers is always valuable in the playoffs.
This topic was highlighted in a recent column by New York Post MLB insider Joel Sherman. He notes that once the Mets’ starting rotation is fully healthy, they might have what it takes to win the World Series in October. But if they pursue a new starter, Sherman believes they would seek a top-tier pitcher who could lead off games in a playoff series. He thinks Jacob deGrom fits that profile.
However, Sherman also points out why this reunion could be unlikely.
“I don’t think the Rangers are ready to give up. DeGrom has a full no-trade clause. Routine and comfort mean a lot to him, and those who have played with him say he and his family feel settled in Dallas,” Sherman wrote. “On top of that, he’s earning $40 million this year, with two more years at $75 million for 2026-27, and he has a history of injuries.”
Jacob deGrom contract: Five years, $185 million
The case for a New York Mets and Jacob deGrom reunion
All those points are valid. The two-time Cy Young Award winner still has a significant amount of money remaining on his contract for his age 38 and 39 seasons.
Additionally, family matters greatly to him, and he may worry that being away from them could negatively impact his performance if he were traded. On top of that, his extensive injury history, which New York fans know well, is a concern—he’s just a few years out from a second Tommy John surgery at age 37.
That said, the future Hall of Famer has appeared healthy and strong this season. Mets fans likely wanted him to end his career in Queens, but the Rangers made an offer the Mets weren’t comfortable matching. The timing feels right for deGrom to return, especially with the team once again in serious contention for a title.
Jacob deGrom stats (2025): 6-2 record, 2.12 ERA, 0.917 WHIP, 74 strikeouts, 17 walks
Beyond just emotions, Sherman thinks the data provides solid justification for team president David Stearns to seriously consider making the trade before the deadline.
“He’s not throwing as hard or striking out as many batters as before. Still, his four-seam fastball averages 97.1 mph — the seventh-best in the league — and he strikes out one in every four hitters,” Sherman said. “But the key point is that when he takes the mound, he continues to pitch excellently. His ERA-plus stands at 179, surpassing his career average of 157, and ranks fourth all-time.
“DeGrom is the kind of pitcher you want starting Game 1, but he might be too risky and expensive even if the Rangers were willing to sell and he agreed to waive his no-trade clause. Still, wouldn’t it be something special if he returned to Flushing?”
