MLB Insider thinks Jacob deGrom could head across town next season

Would Jacob deGrom actually spurn the New York Mets for their crosstown rival?

Jacob deGrom will be one of the most highly-sought after free agents this winter. That is, of course, if the pitcher opts out of his current deal with the New York Mets.

Prior to the 2019 season, deGrom signed a five-year/$137.5M contract with the Mets. However, deGrom has an opt-out clause in his deal that would allow the former Cy Young Award winner to forgo the remaining $30.5M left on his contract and enter the free agent market.

Will Jacob deGrom join the New York Yankees in 2023?

If Jacob deGrom opts out, which most pundits believe he will, then it will become a bidding war for the four-time All-Star’s services. After watching teammate Max Scherzer net a two-year/$86.6M deal last season, you have to assume that deGrom will be looking to surpass the $43.3M average annual value on his next deal.

With that in mind, only a few teams are likely to pony up that kind of dough. One of which would be the New York Yankees. In fact, MLB Insider Mark Feinsand believes deGrom could indeed sign with Mets’ crosstown rivals during the offseason:

"“If the Mets might possibly take a run at Judge, why wouldn’t the Yankees do the same with deGrom? His ability to handle the New York spotlight isn’t in question, which can be a big issue for the Yankees when considering free agents. The Yankees figure to make Judge their No. 1 priority, but if they lose the slugger, anything can happen at that point, including the idea of pairing deGrom with Gerrit Cole atop the rotation.”"

Feinsand believes that the Yankees are one of seven suitors for Jacob deGrom, and it may come down to whether or not fellow free agent-to-be Aaron Judge remains with the Bronx Bombers. Feinsand calls Judge the Yankees’ No. 1 priority, which should be obvious, but just like deGrom, the likely AL MVP will have his fair share of suitors as well and could feasibly go elsewhere.

The 2022 playoffs have barely reached their infancy, and yet the MLB hot stove is already cooking with potential offseason moves. Jacob deGrom is unquestionably the best pitcher on the market and he’s already proven that he can handle the bright lights of NYC. A 1-2 punch of deGrom and Gerrit Cole would be quite imposing for years to come.