The New York Mets have engaged in contract discussions with starting pitcher Jacob deGrom for quite some time, and there remains a chance the two sides could come to an agreement before the 2019 season begins.
Andy Martino of SNY.tv reports that negotiations between deGrom and the Mets are ongoing, and there is “optimism in some corners” that a deal could be reached before the start of the regular season next Thursday. deGrom is believed to be seeking somewhere in the neighborhood of $150 million over five years.
While he has already earned a record arbitration salary of $17 million for 2019, deGrom has made it no secret that he wants a long-term deal. The reigning NL Cy Young Award winner has been dominant since he began pitching in the majors in 2014, and he went 10-9 with an absurd 1.70 ERA in 217 innings pitched last season.
deGrom said at the start of spring training that he does not want to negotiate a long-term extension after Opening Day, and he has not ruled out a self-imposed innings limit if he doesn’t get a new contract. The 30-year-old made it clear last year that he is unhappy with his contract situation, which is understandable given his level of recent success.
