Jacob deGrom Gives Mets Deadline To Work Out Long-Term Contract Extension

12 Feb

Jacob deGrom
NYPost.com:

Jacob deGrom is putting the Mets on the clock.

After a winter of inactivity in long-term contract discussions, the reigning National League Cy Young award winner has informed team officials he will not negotiate a new deal during the season, an industry source told The Post on Tuesday. DeGrom’s camp has set Opening Day as the deadline to complete any potential long-term deal.

Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen initially declined comment, but he changed course after The Post report surfaced and addressed the issue following a voluntary workout by players on the reporting date for pitchers and catchers at First Data Field.

Van Wagenen called the decision not to negotiate beyond Opening Day as “mutual” between him and deGrom’s CAA agent, Jeff Berry.

“There is no reason for a distraction to carry into the regular season, and we will continue to have dialogue over this spring and see where those discussions lead,” Van Wagenen said. “But the last thing either side wants is this to be a distraction once the season starts.”

Remember, deGrom was already an All-Star before his Cy Young season last year. In other words, the Mets need to learn from past mistakes and lock up their best pitcher now.