Jacob deGrom wants to remain a Met.
But he’s putting his foot down.
Jacob’s representatives have set an Opening Day deadline to complete an extension, a source confirmed to MLB.com, giving the sides six more weeks to work something out. deGrom has let the Mets know that he won’t negotiate during the season.
After turning in what was one of the best pitching seasons in franchise history, there seemed to be definite momentum towards inking the right hander to a long term deal.
As of Tuesday, they had not made deGrom an offer.
The 30-year-old deGrom can become a free agent after the 2020 season and seeks a contract that would buy out his remaining arbitration year and extend his agreement with the club long-term.
GIVE THIS MAN AN EXTENSION!
When Max Scherzer signed his monster deal at 30 years of age, he had thrown 20,954 pitches in his career. Jacob deGrom, to this point, has thrown 11,862 pitches! It’s important to remember that deGrom was a shortstop. We shouldn’t be surprised if he cruises into his mid-thirties.
He’s already had Tommy John surgery. He’s a slender and athletic pitcher. The data suggests that he will be effective, even as he begins to lose velocity later in his career.
He’s shown that he can pitch in big games, getting the best of Clayton Kershaw and Zack Greinke on the road in his postseason debut.
Please do the right thing Mets.