In an exclusive interview with Kevin Kernan of the New York Post, RHP Jacob deGrom said he was open to working out an extension deal to remain with the New York Mets long-term.
“I’m a little bit older so I might be more willing to do something like that,’’ deGrom told The Post. “You just have to look at what is fair so both sides get a decent deal. It’s something I’d have to look into and make sure I agree with it.’’
According to the 2014 Rookie of the Year, the Mets have yet to approach him about an extension, but Mets GM Sandy Alderson said last week that the team could begin extension talks with the young starting pitchers during Spring Training.
A super-two player, deGrom could become eligible for arbitration as soon as the end of this season, but that won’t be known until much later on in the year. He earned $556,875 last season, finishing sixth in the NL Cy Young voting.
DeGrom, 27, won 14 games this season and posted an outstanding 2.54 ERA and a staggering 0.979 WHIP in 30 starts. He also saw his K/9 improve to 9.7, and his K/BB jumped from 3.35 to 5.13.
Surprisingly, deGrom believes he can be even better this season if the Mets keep him on a regular routine.
“It’ll be nice to have a five-man rotation and stick to that,” deGrom said. “I think it’s a lot easier when you can stick to that routine and not worry about having to skip starts and stuff.”
In the playoffs, deGrom went 3-1 with a 2.88 ERA during the postseason, although he struggled in Game 2 of the World Series, allowing four runs in a 7-1 loss. Losing to the Kansas City Royals in five games still haunts him.
“Losing that game and watching them celebrate on the field like that was heartbreaking,” deGrom said last month. “It definitely left a hunger in everyone’s mind and in their hearts to get back there next year and win the whole thing.”
“I think now that we got a taste of it, we want it even more. We’re looking forward to getting out there.”
