Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Jacob deGrom doesn’t know if he’ll be back pitching in a Mets uniform next season.
It’s possible deGrom toed the rubber for the last time in blue and orange on Saturday as he’s expected to opt-out of his contract when the season ends.
The stance has been clear since spring training. As the best pitcher in baseball and an opportunity to see what he’s worth on an open market, deGrom would decline his player option worth $30.5 million next season. It was part of a five year deal worth $137.5 million he signed in 2019 with a team option worth $32.5 million in the final year of the deal.
DeGrom was asked about his future as a Met following Sunday nights Game 3 loss in the Wild Card round and subsequent elimination from the playoffs.
“I’m not going to discuss any of that,” deGrom said. “I have no clue.”
DeGrom said he was focused on the disappointment following the playoff elimination.
The reality is deGrom should be a Met for his entire career and the richest owner should pay up for the best pitcher in baseball.
DeGrom’s teammate Max Scherzer was able to get a three-year, $130 million deal from the Mets last offseason. It’s likely deGrom commands more.
Cohen, a Mets fan his entire life, should know the mishandling of franchise cornerstones by previous regimes. Excuse money from the situation and Cohen has a chance to correct the mistake the Mets made with Tom Seaver.
There is no one more entertaining on the mound. There is no one more brilliant. Saturday should not be his last start as a Met. But that’s only if the Mets choose to flex their financial muscle.
Still the question remains, does deGrom want to remain a Met? How much does he value a World Series victory and does he see a better opportunity elsewhere? Certainly anyone willing to spend will contact his agent Scott Boras in the coming days and gauge interest.
The Mets saw two of their home grown stars leave last year. Will they say goodbye to another this season?
