The Atlanta Braves almost made a blockbuster trade for Jacob deGrom ahead of the deadline, but the Texas Rangers star pitcher used his no-trade clause to block the deal. Now, it has been revealed that the Braves were willing to trade their former ace to bring in deGrom. According to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand, the Braves offered pitcher Spencer Strider in their failed trade with the Rangers for deGrom.
"The Braves discussed sending Strider to Texas in a contract swap trade for Jacob deGrom before the Trade Deadline, and although deGrom blocked the deal with his no-trade clause, it’s clear that Atlanta is open to moving its former ace," Feinsand wrote. With this update, it is fair to argue that Strider will be a trade candidate to keep an eye on during the offseason. The Braves have already come close to trading him, so it would not be surprising if they ended up moving him during the winter.
While Strider has been dealing with injury trouble this season, it is likely that he could generate interest around the league this offseason. He is still only 27 years old, and he has shown in the past that he can be a star when pitching at his best. This was especially the case in 2023, as he posted a 20-5 record, a 3.86 ERA, and 281 strikeouts as an All-Star.
It will now be interesting to see what happens with Strider this offseason after the Braves almost traded him for deGrom. In eight appearances this season for Atlanta, he has a 4-2 record, a 5.31 ERA, and 46 strikeouts.
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