Photo: USA Today

While the Mets still haven’t played their first game of 2021 yet, they’re continuing to make news on the business end of baseball. All the talk is still about trying to extend stars Michael Conforto and Noah Syndergaard after the mega-extension given to shortstop Francisco Lindor. But according to SNY MLB insider Andy Martino, Steve Cohen at one point had another idea in mind — extending another star pitcher, their two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom.

The Mets are at least mindful of DeGrom’s opt-out after the 2022 season and while talks did not progress over spring training, it shows how serious the Mets are about keeping their young and talented core in place and with Cohen at the helm, it certainly seems possible.

DeGrom recently parted with CAA — the same agency that employed former Mets GM Brodie Van Waganen — and joined up with VC Sports Group, who represents Dodgers star Mookie Betts, so expect him to command market value for his dominating Cy Young caliber arm after next season, if the Mets don’t offer him an extension first.

Over spring training, deGrom was asked about the possibility of remaining a Met for life, much like David Wright.

“One thing I do think is really, really, really cool is whenever somebody spends their entire career with one team. It’s definitely something that I’ve thought about and we just have to see when that time comes,” deGrom said.

Talks are not expected to resume this season as the Mets front office turns their attention to extending outfielder Michael Conforto and Noah Syndergaard, both of whom will hit free agency after this season. Syndergaard is represented by CAA, so extending him might not be much of an issue. Conforto, on the other hand, is represented by MLB mega-agent Scott Boras, who is notorious for taking his clients to free agency rather than making extensions in order to get the most money possible. His infamy only grew when he voiced his opinion in the 2020 season disputes, so the Mets may need to proceed with caution when it comes to Boras and a Conforto extension.

Baseball is more than just a sport. A lot happens behind the scenes and whatever Steve Cohen and the front office has in store for the fans…get ready, because we’re going to be in for a wild ride.