Mets: Jacob deGrom will opt out of his contract after the season; wants to stay in NY

Apr 10, 2018; Miami, FL, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Jacob deGrom (48) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at Marlins Park. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

The New York Mets got some bad news to start the week, and they have to do with their best pitcher, Jacob deGrom. No, it doesn’t have to do with any physical ailments (thankfully!), but instead, with his contract situation.

Before the 2019 season, deGrom signed a contract extension for five years, worth $137.5 million. That deal included an opt out after the 2022 campaign, which the pitcher, according to his own words in the last few hours, intends to use.

“As a player, you build in opt-outs and that’s the business side,” he said, per SNY, pretty much confirming he will exercise his opt out after this season.

However, before Mets’ fans freak out (understandably, of course) over deGrom’s comments, he did say his desire is to stay in the franchise for the long term.

“For me, I don’t want that to be any distraction,” he said. “I’m excited about this team, and I’ve said it before, I love being a Met. Think it would be really cool to be one for my entire career. The plan is to exercise that option and be in constant contact in the offseason with the Mets and Steve Cohen and the front office.”

The Mets will need to pay him more to make him stay

After seeing the Mets pay Max Scherzer $43.3 million per year for three seasons at 37 years old, it’s understandable that deGrom, who is 33, wants to bet on himself to get a larger deal.

“It’s exciting. To see what ownership’s doing and going and getting guys, this is going to be an exciting place to be,” deGrom said.

The Mets’ ace had an injury-riddled 2021, in which he suffered shoulder, side, and elbow issues. Team president Sandy Alderson talked about a partial elbow ligament tear that “healed itself,” so deGrom will hope to stay healthy and cash in over the offseason.

Last year, he could only make 15 starts, but that was enough to put a 4.9 WAR: he pitched 92 innings, struck out 45.1% of hitters, and had a minuscule 1.08 ERA.