New York Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom plans to trigger opt-out

The New York Mets have done everything they can to return to the playoffs this season. Max Scherzer and Chris Bassitt have been brought in to improve the rotation. They have revamped the outfield and added depth to the lineup. It is seemingly a great time to be a Mets fan.

But there are storm clouds brewing on the horizon. Jacob deGrom stated that he is planning on triggering his opt-out at the end of the season, at which point in time he plans on staying in contact with the Mets to determine a new contract.

Jacob deGrom plans to trigger opt-out for new contract with New York Mets

Losing deGrom would be a tremendous blow to a team that plans to contend for the World Series for the foreseeable future. He has established himself as one of the few true aces in the game, a pitcher who, by his very presence, gives the Mets a chance to win when he takes the mound.

That was the case last year. deGrom posted a stellar 1.08 ERA and a 0.554 WHiP in his 92 innings, striking out 146 batters with 11 walks, earning Cy Young votes although he did not pitch after July 7. It is not a coincidence that the Mets’ season went down the drain the moment he was lost for the year.

deGrom’s injury also highlights the risk in signing him to another high dollar long term deal. He will turn 34 this year and is theoretically ending his prime. While he could be another Scherzer and dominate into his late 30s, his injuries last year have to be a bit of a concern.

Of course, those concerns could be alleviated during the course of this season. Should deGrom stay healthy and dominate as he had, another long term deal would be an easy choice for the Mets. But it all comes down to this year.

Jacob deGrom is planning on triggering his opt-out clause at the end of the year. The New York Mets may have another long term deal to negotiate.