Steady deGrom could receive long-term deal

Jacob de Grom is viewed as an integral part of the Mets’ future, leaving the team open to negotiating a long-term arrangement.

An industry source confirmed Thursday that the Mets may explore the possibility this winter of a deal that would buy out the right-hander’s remaining arbitration years and extend club control for additional seasons. Fan Rag Sports first reported the possibility.

The 29-year-old de Grom is set to hit the free-agent market following the 2020 season. But the two sides could negotiate a four- or five-year deal that would keep deGrom with the Mets beyond the next three seasons.

DeGrom, the lone member of the rotation to remain healthy for the whole season, is 15-10 with a 3.53 ERA in 31 starts, pitching a careerhigh 201 ¹/3 innings. He is expected to receive a substantial bump from the $4.05 million he earned this season.

Noah Syndergaard, Zack Wheeler and Matt Harvey are the Mets’ other starting pitchers eligible for arbitration. Harvey likely will be tendered a contract despite a disappointing season that included 2 ½ months on the disabled list with a stress injury to his right scapula.

Travis d’Arnaud credits the new job-share at catcher for possibly fueling his torrid September. D’Arnaud, who has been splitting time with Kevin Plawecki, has a .305/.354/ .695 slash line with six homers and 19 RBIs this month.

Mets Triple-A hitting coach Jack Voigt tweeted that he will not be back next season, writing: “Thx to all my hitters in my 12 years with Mets. Disappointed I will not be back in 2018. … 5 hitters in top 6 of PCL batting over 2 seasons ain’t bad! But wasn’t good enough, I guess.”