Jacob deGrom announces big contract decision for 2023

The 2022 MLB season has not yet begun, but Jacob deGrom has already made an announcement about the 2023 season.

DeGrom told reporters on Monday that he will opt out of his contract following this season. The 33-year-old ace signed a 5-year, $137.5 million contract with the team prior to the 2019 season. He is earning $33.5 million this season and has the option to terminate his contract following the year.

DeGrom says that he will be exercising his opt-out.

DeGrom reiterated that he'd love to spend his whole career with the Mets, and he said he'd be in constant contact with them throughout the upcoming offseason. But he doesn't want extension negotiations to be an in-season distraction — the same tact he took in 2019. https://t.co/A4pu9t2lHj

— Tim Britton (@TimBritton) March 14, 2022

DeGrom says he likes the direction the team’s ownership is taking and that he plans to be in close contact with the front office after the season. However, he made his announcement now to get the matter out of the way; it’s not an issue he wants to discuss during the season.

DeGrom has established himself as the premier pitcher in MLB when healthy. He has won two Cy Young awards and has a 2.50 career ERA. The Mets already added Max Scherzer during the offseason and recently acquired Chris Bassitt. They mean business moving forward, and deGrom is an important piece to retain beyond this season.

Photo: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports