New York Mets reportedly to discuss Jacob deGrom extension next month
By David Hill
The New York Mets have yet to begin extension discussions with Jacob deGrom, but that is set to change soon.
The past few weeks have been eventful for New York Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom. His agent has become his general manager, taking over the reins of the Mets franchise. He won the Cy Young award, a well deserved honor regardless of what his won-loss record would indicate. deGrom now has a new agent, some new hardware, and soon, a new contract.
However, there is one thing that deGrom does not have, and that is a contract extension. Brodie Van Wagenen, his former agent and the Mets current general manager, had previously demanded that the ream either extend deGrom, or trade him elsewhere. However, that had not yet come to pass.
deGrom and Van Wagenen may be getting their wish in the near future. While the Mets and their ace are not entering discussions immediately, they plan on doing so in the near future. According to COO Jeff Wilpon, those discussions are likely to begin next month around the Winter Meetings.
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If the Mets are going to lock deGrom up to a long term extension, this may be their final chance to do so. Last season, he posted a 10-9 record, which belied his actual production on the mound. deGrom led the National League with a stellar 1.70 ERA and a 0.912 WHiP, striking out 269 batters in 217 innings. He also proved quite adept at keeping the ball in the yard, allowing only ten homers; his 0.4 HR/9 rate the best in the NL.
As with any extension, there are risks involved. deGrom will be 33 when he become eligible for free agency, and will have passed his hypothetical prime. The Mets will be paying him as he enters the downside of his career, and possibly, for a few years after.
Yet, this is a move the Mets need to make. They have stated their intention of contending next year, and theoretically, beyond. The ownership has been considered a joke since being swindled by Bernie Madoff, leading to the belief that the Mets will not spend any money as long as the Wilpons own the franchise. Extending deGrom would go a long way towards adjusting that perception, while helping the Mets in their quest to contend.
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The New York Mets and Jacob deGrom have not had discussions for an extension, but those talks will be coming soon.