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Mets' deGrom willing to explore extension with agent-turned-GM Van Wagenen

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Since taking over as the New York Mets' general manager, Brodie Van Wagenen has made it clear on multiple occasions that he wants to keep ace starter and former client Jacob deGrom on his roster.

The right-hander responded to Van Wagenen's comments Monday, suggesting a willingness to explore an extension.

"I really do enjoy playing in New York," deGrom told Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. "The fans have treated me great. I enjoy taking the mound at Citi Field in front of them, and it's rare that a guy spends his career with one team. If that was something that they wanted to do, and me and (my wife) Stacey felt like it was the right move for us, then we'd be willing to definitely explore that."

The 30-year-old deGrom is entering his second winter of arbitration and is under team control through the 2020 campaign. As a National League Cy Young finalist - and the arguable front-runner - deGrom is projected to earn $12.9 million in arbitration this offseason after authoring a 1.70 ERA over 217 innings in 2018, according to MLB Trade Rumors.

During the All-Star break in July, Van Wagenen - then serving as deGrom's agent with CAA - said he had spoken with the Mets at length about exploring a long-term extension. "If the Mets don't share the same interest," Van Wagenen added, "we believe their best course of action is to seriously consider trade opportunities now."

With Van Wagenen now running the Mets' baseball operations, the agent-turned-executive is eager to keep deGrom in Flushing. "I've remained steadfast that I think he's tremendous," Van Wagenen told DiComo. "I'd love to try to keep him if it's possible. We'll explore that in the coming weeks."

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