Source: Mets Had Recent “Positive Talks” With DeGrom

According to a source I talked to on Monday night, the Mets and Jacob deGrom had recent contract extension dialogue that’s been described as “positive” and “moving in the right direction.”

The Mets are under the gun with Opening Day quickly approaching on Thursday. Very early in Spring Training, it was reported that the Mets and deGrom agreed on Opening Day as a deadline to work out a contract extension.

DeGrom, 30, is coming off a 2018 season that saw him pitch to a major league best 1.70 ERA, 1.99 FIP, and the National League Cy Young Award.

The former ninth round pick will make $17 million in 2019 before heading to his final round of arbitration this upcoming offseason. He will then be a free agent following the 2020 season.

Red Sox pitcher Chris Sale recently got an extension for five years, $145 million that included an opt-out after three years. Justin Verlander also signed an extension recently with the Astros for two years, $66 million.