Jacob deGrom reveals long-term plans with Mets
New York Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom clarified his long-term plan with the Mets, indicating that his current plan is to opt out at the end of the season.
Over eight seasons with the Mets, Jacob deGrom has made only made $54 million, making $20 million of that in the 2021 season.
The 33-year-old pitcher has been underpaid for the majority of his career, racking up a 2014 NL Rookie of the Year award, two NL Cy Young Awards, two seasons as the NL Strikeout Leader, and four All-Star Seasons.
It makes sense, then, that deGrom wants to test the market next year by opting out of his current Mets contract.
Jacob deGrom said his plan is to opt out at season’s end.
— Tim Britton (@TimBritton) March 14, 2022
DeGrom said his plan is to trigger his opt-out after this season, then stay in contact with the Mets. Echoed Cohen, others in suggesting he wants to figure the contract stuff out after the season.
— Chelsea Janes (@chelsea_janes) March 14, 2022
Jacob deGrom says that his plan is to play out this season and then trigger the opt-out in his contract. Reiterates though that he’d love to be a Met for life.
— Steve Gelbs (@SteveGelbs) March 14, 2022
Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom wants to opt out of contract by end of 2022
Last summer, the Mets had the opportunity to rework deGrom’s contract, but Steve Cohen said that it “wasn’t the right moment.”
Steve Cohen on renegotiating deGrom's contract, which has an opt-out after 2022:
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) June 20, 2021
"I don't think it's the right moment. We're focused on this year. Obviously, it's something we're thinking about. Listen, we love Jacob. ... I don't think I could pitch to a 0.54 ERA. He's special."
Now, it seems that moment may have passed, as the Mets have had years to properly compensate one of the best ace pitchers in the league.
There’s also the fact that the Mets signed Max Scherzer this offseason, and while that might be worth celebrating as a Mets fan, it’s not a great message from ownership, who has yet to make the moment happen for deGrom. Before the lockout began, the Mets signed Scherzer to a three-year, $130 million deal with an opt-out clause available in 2023. In one season with the Mets, Scherzer will almost make more than deGrom has in his entire MLB career. Although Scherzer doesn’t intend to steal the spotlight away from deGrom, deGrom is putting the Mets on notice.
If Cohen didn’t think it was the right time last year, then now is definitely the time to try to persuade deGrom from testing free agency. After all, he did say he wants to be a Met for life.
More. Jacob deGrom finally has something to prove next season. light