Jacob deGrom rumors: Impressive rehab starts aren’t helping Mets chances

The more impressive Jacob deGrom looks in his rehab starts, the more likely it seems that he’ll get a big offer to leave the Mets.

Watching Jacob deGrom throw 100 mph in his rehab starts might turn out to be bittersweet for Mets fans.

On the one hand, their pitcher looks strong coming back from injury.

On the other hand, he might not be their pitcher for too much longer.

Andy Martino of SNY is warning that the strength of those rehab starts could be a double-edged sword.

Jacob deGrom rumors: Impressive rehab starts aren’t helping Mets chances

“If deGrom opts out and [Steve] Cohen makes him his top priority, the Mets will spare no expense to retain him. But Cohen of all people knows how to make cold, smart business decisions, and it’s not yet certain that signing an oft-injured pitcher entering his age-35 season will be smart,” Martino wrote. “As for deGrom, it’s no sure thing that the Mets will be his best option. Some league executives speculate that if deGrom returns for a few months (or even a few games) throwing 100 miles per hour, he could tempt another team to offer a contract above what the Mets consider rational.”

deGrom is making his way back from a shoulder injury and completed his first rehab start with the St. Lucie Mets. He was absolutely dealing with six 100 mph pitches and five strikeouts in 1 2/3 innings.

He’s set to make another start on Friday with an expected pitch count of 40.

Getting deGrom back this season could be a big boost to the Mets but reports linking the pitcher to Atlanta if he opts out of his current contract are a definite worry.

The better deGrom looks, the more likely the Braves or some other team may be willing to offer him a contract the Mets don’t want to match.

deGrom just turned 34 and he’s been dealing with injury recently. New York could decide his availability and age aren’t worth the money and let him walk.

However, that could also mean letting him strengthen a division rival like the Braves. It’s a tough calculation to make.

For now, the Mets may just have to hope deGrom’s return helps them as much as possible at the tail end of this season. Where he goes after the 2022 season is a worry for down the line.