Mets should extend pitcher or trade him, says deGrom’s agent
WASHINGTON — Jacob deGrom wants a commitment from the New York Mets. The ace righthander wants to be part of the Mets’ long-term solution, asking for an extension that would go beyond the two years that the National League baseball team controls him. If not, then the
Mets should consider taking advantage of this hot trade market for starting pitchers and deal him to help start the organization’s rebuild, his agent Brodie Van Wagenen said Monday.
“Jacob has expressed interest to them about being part of a long-term future and a long-term plan,” Van Wagenen said during the player availability at the all-star game. “They have expressed some interest in that same level of commitment, but if that’s not their interest then Jacob understands this is an environment where they may be better off moving him to accomplish their long-term plan.”
DeGrom, who has the best ERA in baseball but was slighted for the starting nod on Tuesday night’s all-star game, said that he has enjoyed his time being a Met, particularly winning as a Met. He has expressed his interest to be a Met for his whole career, but until the team is ready to commit to him it might be best for them to move him.
“That’s something that they are going to have to decide,” deGrom said of the Mets. “When I was here, I really enjoyed winning in 2015. I don’t think there is any place better to win.
“It’s in the Mets’ hands and what they decide to do.”
DeGrom has been brilliant this season and one of the Mets’ best pitchers since he arrived in the big leagues in ’14. He entered the all-star break with a majorleague leading 1.68 ERA but a dismal 5-4 record because of the team behind him.
He has maintained a stoic public face despite the disappointment of this Mets season, but he expressed to the News over the weekend that he wants to be part of a winning team in the future. DeGrom also has expressed to the News that any long-term deal would have to be “life changing” money for him to not bet on himself going into the free agency market.
DeGrom is making $7.4 million this season and with him putting up Cy Young-worthy numbers, he should get a considerable bump in the next two seasons through arbitration. The Mets would have to make a significant commitment financially and in terms of years to make it attractive to him.