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Syndergaard slams Mets over deGrom situation, preseason Syracuse trip

Michael Reaves / Getty Images Sport / Getty

If Noah Syndergaard had his way, Jacob deGrom would be among the many players who have signed extensions this offseason.

"I think Jake's the best pitcher in baseball right now," Syndergaard told Anthony DiComo of MLB.com. "I think he deserves whatever amount he's worth. I want them to keep him happy so when it does come time for him to reach free agency, he stays on our side pitching for the Mets. I just think they should quit all this fuss and pay the man already."

Syndergaard's comments come one day after deGrom - who authored a remarkable 1.70 ERA and 1.99 FIP in 217 innings last season - was questioned about the status of his extension talks. Earlier in the offseason, the NL Cy Young winner was confident about reaching a potential deal. However, on Saturday, deGrom told reporters his optimism was waning.

In recent days, elite-level pitchers have agreed to contract extensions of their own, including Houston Astros right-hander Justin Verlander, Boston Red Sox lefty Chris Sale, and Tampa Bay Rays AL Cy Young winner Blake Snell. Aaron Nola and Luis Severino also reached agreements with their respective clubs earlier this winter.

"If there wasn't a trend of other guys getting contract extensions, then I don't know what the circumstances would be," Syndergaard added. "But you see Chris Sale, Verlander getting extensions. I think it's time Jacob gets one too."

Syndergaard is also frustrated by the Mets' preseason workout at the Carrier Dome in Syracuse, N.Y., which was organized to promote the team's Triple-A affiliate that was relocated to the city.

"We're going to Sarasota, and then to Syracuse," Syndergaard told Deesha Thosar of the New York Daily News. "We're not going to New York. You'd think we're going to New York, as adults, to get our things, our priorities in order. But no, we have to go to Syracuse first."

In addition to the travel itself, Syndergaard and many of his teammates are apparently concerned that the Mets did not budget enough money to provide players with proper workout equipment for the Syracuse workout, a source told Thosar.

"I'm sure the amenities in Syracuse aren't the best for a Major League Baseball team to go out there and have one last workout before the regular season starts," Syndergaard said.

"I don't think that's what championship teams do prior to the season."

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