The New York Mets and Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom have agreed on a five-year extension that solidifies the team’s future.
The New York Mets have agreed to a five-year, $137.5-million contract extension with 2018 NL Cy Young winner Jacob deGrom. Andy Martino of SNY was the first to report the news of the signing. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported the breakdown of years and average annual value.
Rosenthal is also reporting that the deal has a player opt-out in 2022. The reigning Cy Young winner is already back in New York to take a physical before the team officially announces the new deal.
On Saturday, deGrom said he was “not as (optimistic)” about reaching deal with #Mets. At that point – and entering yesterday – #Mets had offered 3-year, $88M extension with $2M player option that could have increased through a variety of escalators – $90M guaranteed, per sources.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 26, 2019
The late breakthrough could be attributed to some of the recent news surrounding the Mets. This was a move they desperately needed to make after some of their recent public relations gaffes. The Mets knew locking up deGrom, who could be the best pitcher in baseball right now, would quell the anxieties of the fanbase prior to the pivotal 2019 season.
The righty hurler racked up 217 innings last season and compiled an unbelievable 1.70 ERA. Despite his Cy Young season, he was given little help from his teammates. He finished 2018 with a 10-9 record because of the dreadful run support he received from his teammates.
The Mets are investing a huge chunk of their payroll into a starting pitcher on the wrong side of 30, but this was a deal that needed to get done. The team is looking to compete for an NL East crown and World Series in the coming years.
They needed the ace of the staff and now they have him locked in for the foreseeable future.
