New York Mets rumors: Jacob deGrom could dictate the trade deadline

Even though Jacob deGrom last pitched in a regular season game for the New York Mets on July 7, 2021, one MLB insider believes that he could play a key role in what the Mets decide to do at the 2022 MLB trade deadline.

New York Mets rumors: How Jacob deGrom does on the mound in his return could dictate the team’s actions at the trade deadline

According to Jon Heyman in this article in The New York Post, the New York Mets are hoping to get a pair of starts from the 34-year-old deGrom before the August 2 trade deadline in order to assess whether he will be able to play a key role for the team’s rotation down the stretch or if the team will need to make a trade for a starting pitcher before the trade deadline expires.

deGrom was sidelined in spring training earlier this year with a stress reaction in his right scapula and was subsequently placed on the 60-day injured list. deGrom, however, has made his first rehab start and looked sharp in it, striking out five of the six batters he faced. His second rehab start is scheduled for Friday, as the Mets are reportedly looking to give the right-hander four or five days of rest between starts.

On that pace, deGrom may not appear in a Mets uniform again until after the All-Star break. The Mets return to action on July 22 and, if deGrom is healthy, he could conceivably give the team the two starts they want to see before the trade deadline.

The Mets have reportedly scouted Oakland’s Frankie Montas and Cincinnati’s Tyler Mahle, but both are currently dealing with shoulder issues, which could cloud their status and how much the Mets and other teams are willing to spend on them at the trade deadline.

However, if deGrom can show that he can return to form and stay healthy, the Mets may choose to spend their resources in other areas. That’s why those two starts before the trade deadline loom large for both deGrom and the Mets.