Before the 2019 season, the New York Mets signed star pitcher Jacob deGrom to a five-year extension worth $137.5 million.
That is supposed to cover him through 2023.
The deal, however, has a caveat: an opt-out clause after 2022.
Essentially, deGrom can become a free agent after the World Series if he wants.
He would be giving up $30.5 million, but with the opportunity to seek a long-term deal that gives him more stability.
Suffice to say, the whole league would kill to have deGrom on their staffs, so his options are pretty much wide open.
Canha Is Hopeful
One of his teammates on the Mets, Mark Canha, is hopeful the team can retain him.
“Mark Canha says that Jacob deGrom told him he’d like to return to the Mets. He added: ‘I think Jake and Max and Bassitt have a really good friendship they have developed over this year and a good professional relationship, too. I’m hopeful for Jake,'” SNY Mets tweeted, quoting the consistent outfielder.
Mark Canha says that Jacob deGrom told him he'd like to return to the Mets.
He added: "I think Jake and Max and Bassitt have a really good friendship they have developed over this year and a good professional relationship, too. I’m hopeful for Jake." https://t.co/Y93YJubJRI pic.twitter.com/LRgfWmklSM
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) November 4, 2022
deGrom missed a portion of the year with a shoulder issue, but was great upon returning.
In 64.1 innings, he had a 3.08 ERA, which was higher than we all expected considering he was at 1.08 in 2021.
However, his Fielding Independent Pitching (FIP) of 2.13 indicates that his defense let him down to some degree and his ERA should have been better.
In any case, the Mets should be considered the favorites to retain deGrom, as Canha is not the first player to reveal that the pitcher would love to stay in New York.
It’s a matter of the Mets showing with facts that they want to keep him around.
If they don’t, plenty of teams will line up up for his services.
NEXT: Mets Insider Reveals Starling Marte Injury Update