Noah Syndergaard puts the hammer down on the Mets

Noah Syndergaard had plenty to say on Sunday, criticizing the Mets handling of Jacob deGrom and finding flaw in a preseason trip to Syracuse.

After another slow offseason of free agency, it’s become extension season in MLB as the season approaches. New York Mets ace Jacob deGrom set an Opening Day deadline for negotiations on a contract extension, but recently expressed a lack of optimism a deal will get done in time. Rotation mate Noah Syndergaard spoke about deGrom’s situation, perhaps with the recent deals signed by Chris Sale and Justin Verlander in mind, and went in on the Mets’ organization regarding a separate matter.

Speaking to reporters on Sunday Syndergaard started with his assessment of deGrom, who had a fantastic 2018 season (1.70 ERA, 1.99 FIP, 11.2 K/9, 1.9 BB/9, 0.91 WHIP) on his way to winning the NL Cy Young Award. With one year of team control left, a contract extension is becoming a somewhat urgent matter if the Mets want to keep deGrom.

"I think Jake’s the best pitcher in baseball right now,” “I think he deserves whatever amount he’s worth. I want them to keep him happy so when it does come time for him to reach free agency, he stays on our side pitching for the Mets. I just think they should quit all this fuss and pay the man already."

The Mets are also christening a new location for their Triple-A affiliate, which will now be in Syracuse. After a trip to Sarasota, Florida to complete their Grapefruit League schedule on Monday, the Mets will have a workout on Tuesday in the Carrier Dome before heading to Washington, D.C. for the season opener Thursday.

"We’re not going to New York. You’d think we’re going to New York, as adults, to get our things, our priorities in order. But no, we have to go to Syracuse first."

"I’m sure the amenities in Syracuse aren’t the best for a Major League Baseball team to go out there and have one last workout before the regular season starts,"

The Mets apparently professed the importance of sleep, nutrition and overall health, so Syndergaard’s final thought on the excursion to Syracuse says it all.

"I don’t think that’s the way to go. I don’t think that’s what championship teams do prior to the season,"

Of course, Mets’ manager Mickey Calloway disagreed with Syndergaard.

"I think going to Syracuse is good for the fans. It’s a new affiliate and something that doesn’t happen often. We’re excited that it’s New York and it’s our fans."

As a Super-2, which comes with a fourth year of team control, Syndergaard has two more years of arbitration eligibility left before coming a free agent. So he’s not going anywhere unless Mets’ general manager Brodie Van Wagenen takes particular offense to these comments, or any further comments critical of the organization, and tries to make a trade.