With both the Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres in need of pitching help this offseason, a new report opens the door for either team to potentially land MLB great Jacob deGrom at a very affordable price.

Deals could start flying all over MLB over the next few weeks, with many teams expected to be aggressive to improve their rosters before the league begins a lockout on Dec. 1. A lockout that could end with a new collective bargaining agreement featuring a salary cap and floor.

Many teams are on the hunt for starting pitching. However, two clubs in dire need, if they want to remain in playoff contention, are the Cubs and Padres. Chicago could lose Shota Imanaga, Matthew Boyd, Clay Holmes, Kevin Gausman, and David Peterson in free agency this offseason. While San Diego could see Michael King and Nick Pivetta take their talents elsewhere as well open market.

A Jacob deGrom trade for a bargain price is there for the taking

However, with so many teams looking for additions to their starting staffs, prices could skyrocket. Well, if neither club wants to throw out a huge contract to players like Tarik Skubal or King, an alternative short-term option is there for the taking.

Last week, the Dallas Morning News’ Evan Grant claimed that “The Texas Rangers are going to search for trade partners for Corey Seager and Jacob deGrom [and] perhaps Nathan Eovaldi.” Well, more fuel was added to that speculation on Thursday when The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon reported “the Rangers have done extensive background work” on Japanese free agent Teruaki Sato.

The JPL Triple Crown winner is sure to get a sizable contract. That is why the MLB insiders claim, “To create the payroll flexibility for Sato, the Rangers almost certainly would need to move one of their high-salaried players.”

Why the Chicago Cubs and San Diego Padres should consider a Jacob deGrom trade

The two-time Cy Young winner has one guaranteed season at $37 million and a 2028 club option for $20 million left on his deal. That would be a nice chunk of money that could go to Sato. Plus, after he had a down season at 38 years old, the Rangers don’t have leverage to ask for a strong return. Just taking all of the money and a couple of decent prospects would be enough to complete a deal.

Sure, there is risk in a trade for the Cubs or Padres because deGrom may be in a steep age-related decline. However, it can’t be overlooked that he was an All-Star last year as he went 12-8 and posted a 2.98 ERA.

If he pitched somewhere closer to that in 2027, it wouldn’t be a surprise, and either team would gladly take it. Furthermore, if he does disappoint, they can move on from him and go shopping for a starter next year.