By Jordan Long
The New York Mets sit at 39-55, last place in the National League East and 13.5 games behind Philadelphia for 1st place. The Mets start the second half of the season tomorrow against their cross-town rivals, the New York Yankees. The Mets have some major decisions before the July 31st non-waiver trade deadline. One might be trading Jacob deGrom.
DeGrom is under contractual control with the New York Mets until 2020. He won’t hit free agency until 2021. DeGrom would like a long-term contract and if it isn’t going to happen with the Mets, they are better off trading him and at least receive something back. If not they could risk losing him for nothing in 2021.
According to ESPN, deGrom’s agent Brodie Van Wagenen said, “It is simply expressing Jacob’s interest to stay with the club long-term, and if he is not part of the future, he understands that the club is better positioned to trade him.”
DeGrom is one of the better Mets’ pitchers. He is in his 5th year and has been with the Mets his whole career. He has posted a 50-36 record with a 2.78 ERA. This season the wins aren’t there for him at 5-4, but he has been able to keep teams from scoring with a 1.68 ERA. DeGrom has also been able to find his location and it makes it difficult for batters to hit off him with 149 strikeouts.
DeGrom is a pitcher who can help a team reach the postseason and even have a chance to win a World Series. He improves a rotation as a 3rd or 4th pitcher. Teams would be interested in him if the Mets decided he is not part of the future.
The Mets need to do what is best for the team moving forward. They are going to be sellers at the trade deadline. They must rebuild this team to become competitive again which may start with trading deGrom.
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