Mets, DeGrom Settle For Record $17 Million to Avoid Arbitration

The New York Mets and 2018 National League Cy Young Winner Jacob deGrom have settled on $17 million for his 2019 salary, avoiding arbitration according to Jon Heyman of FanCred.

DeGrom’s $17 million figure sets a new record for third time arbitration eligible pitchers and his $9.6 million raise sets all-time arbitration record (set by Mookie Betts earlier on Friday). He earned $7.4 million during his terrific 2018 season.

DeGrom, 30, went 10-9 with a 1.70 ERA, 1.99 FIP, 0.91 WHIP, and career-high 269 strikeouts in 217 innings for the Mets last season. He recived 29 of 30 first place votes on his way to winning the NL Cy Young. He was also an All-Star and finished fifth in the MVP voting.

The right-hander will be a free agent after the 2020 season, though both sides have expressed a desire for a contract extension.

Earlier on Friday, Noah Syndergaard settled with the Mets at $6.0 million. No news yet on the arbitration cases of starters Steven Matz and Zack Wheeler.