Jacob deGrom's Final Box-Score Stats, Highlights from 1st Start After Refusing Trade from Rangers

Jacob deGrom reminded some contenders what they missed when he exercised his no-trade clause to remain with the Texas Rangers for the remainder of the 2026 MLB season.

The two-time Cy Young winner threw five innings and struck out nine batters in Saturday's 5-1 win over the Baltimore Orioles.

IP	H	R	ER	BB	K	ERA
5.0	3	1	1	1	9	3.87

DeGrom didn't have a great start as Orioles second baseman Jackson Holiday tagged him for as solo home run in the first. It was mostly smooth sailing from there, however.

"My goodness, he was on," Rangers manager Skip Schumaker told reporters. "Punchout after punchout, weak contact, just an unbelievable start. ... Really good stuff. Just kind of vintage deGrom that we're used to seeing."

Texas now sits a game over .500 (59-58) and occupies the final wild-card spot in the American League. It's also behind the first-place Houston Astros by just a half-game in the AL West.

Despite having a path to the postseason, the Rangers were prepared to deal deGrom. The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal reported the Atlanta Braves showed interest, only for the veteran right-hander to express a desire to stay where he is.

Beyond the fact the team isn't out of the playoff hunt, deGrom's mindset might be different from what it was earlier in his career. He's a 38-year-old into his 13th season. Uprooting his family for what might be just six months in a new city may not be worth it for him at this point.

Based on how the five-time All-Star performed Saturday, not trading him could prove to be a blessing in disguise for Texas.