Report: deGrom prefers to stay with Mets if contract offers are similar
Jacob deGrom's camp indicated that the right-hander would prefer to stay with the New York Mets - but only if they make him a fair-market offer, a source told the New York Post's Mike Puma.
DeGrom is seeking a new deal that'd make him MLB's highest-paid pitcher ahead of Max Scherzer, according to Puma. Scherzer will earn $43.3 million in 2023 after inking a three-year, $130-million deal with the Mets before the 2022 season.
DeGrom reportedly believes the Mets are in a good position to regularly contend for the World Series.
New York isn't interested in giving the two-time Cy Young winner a four- or five-year deal but appears willing to offer him a short-term contract that could include options and incentives.
DeGrom opted out of his contract Nov. 7 to become a free agent for the first time. The oft-injured hurler is arguably baseball's best pitcher when he's healthy, posting a career 2.52 ERA, 2.62 FIP, and 10.9 K/9.
The 34-year-old only made 26 starts over the past two seasons due to multiple injuries.
The Chicago Cubs, Los Angeles Dodgers, New York Yankees, and Texas Rangers are among the other teams that could be in play for deGrom, according to Puma.