Speaking to Tim Britton of The Athletic Sunday, Noah Syndergaard had some thoughts about Mets leadership regarding rotation-mate Jacob deGrom and his lack of a contract extension.
“I’m just going to sit back and let it all unfold how it is,” Syndergaard said. “Jake’s the best pitcher in baseball right now. I think he deserves whatever amount he’s worth. I want to keep him happy, so when it does come time for him to reach free agency, he stays on our side pitching for the Mets.
“I just think they should quit all the fuss and pay the man already.”
Everyone on the planet wants the Mets to sign deGrom long-term, and Thor has made it clear that he’s no exception. With so many extensions being doled out around the game to big name players, the Mets have drawn serious heat for not locking up deGrom, who is due to be a free agent following the 2021 season.
Asked if he thinks it sends a message if it does or doesn’t get done, Syndergaard said, “I think so, yes, because of what you see with what’s going on with baseball right now. If there wasn’t a trend of other guys getting contract extensions, I don’t know what the circumstance would be. But you can see Chris Sale, [Justin] Verlander, those guys getting extensions. I think it’s time Jacob gets one, too.”
Syndergaard also had some very choice words for the Mets’ decision to travel to Sarasota for a workout and then Syracuse for another workout before heading back to New York City:
“You’d think we’d go to New York to get, as adults, our things and our affairs in order, but no – we’ve got to go to Syracuse first,” Syndergaard said. “I don’t know whose idea that was, but it’s not a smart one. I don’t think that’s conducive for winning ballgames, really – that much travel. I mean, I’m sure the amenities in Syracuse aren’t the best for a Major League baseball team to go up there and have one last workout before the regular season starts, but those kinds of decisions are above my pay grade.”
When asked if other players felt the same way, Thor said, “Absolutely.”
The Mets will also have to take a three-hour bus ride to Sarasota before flying north.
“Can’t forget that. Thanks for reminding me. It’s great. I can’t wait. Makes a lot of sense,” Syndergaard said. “From all the information and data and all the meetings we’ve had – we’ve had sleep meetings, meetings to teach us how to properly take care of ourselves – I don’t think that’s the way to go. I don’t think that’s what championship teams do prior to the season.”
These are some very choice words from Syndergaard, who is under team control through 2021. The 26-year-old is poised to have a monster season between deGrom and Zack Wheeler in the Mets rotation, having gone 13-4 with a 3.03 ERA and 2.80 FIP in 25 starts last season.
