The New deGrom Deserves His Own Thread Again Thread

[kcmets]

NBC Rotoworld wrote: Jacob deGrom exercised the opt-out clause in his contract with the Mets and has become a free agent. As expected, deGrom has opted to forego the final year and $30.5 million remaining on his existing contract with the Mets and will test the open market this offseason in search of a massive multi-year contract. The 34-year-old fantasy ace was completely dominant this past season, when healthy, finishing with a stellar 3.08 ERA, 0.75 WHIP and 102/8 K/BB ratio over 64 1/3 innings (11 starts). It's possible that he winds up returning to New York given the Mets' considerable financial resources and owner Steven Cohen's willingness to spend on his roster. SOURCE: MLBPA Communications on Twitter Nov 7, 2022, 10:17 AM ET

[Benjamin Grimm]

I never exactly thought of him as a "fantasy ace". I thought he was a real person.

[batmagadanleadoff]

Benjamin Grimm wrote: I never exactly thought of him as a "fantasy ace". I thought he was a real person.

Maybe that phrase, as used to describe deGrom, comes from this SI cover?



[FIMG=444]https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/js8AAOSw9hlcw4Ku/s-l1600.jpg[/FIMG]

[metsmarathon]

i think it's just because rotoworld sees baseball through the lens of fantasy baseball, not in terms of actual real teams and real players.

[batmagadanleadoff]

Lefty Specialist wrote: Kick the tires on deGrom to see what he wants. I expect it'll be outrageous. Then move on.

As I've aged, I've gotten pretty good, (I think) at separating my emotions from the cold hard facts when thinking about how the Mets should approach their free agents and expiring contracts. So for example, I was dead set against the Mets extending David Wright in 2012 even though Wright had already, by then, established himself as one of the greatest Mets ever. The Mets were in such bad shape then, that Wright couldn't have helped those Mets even if he turned in an MVP season in '13. And Alderson was picking up gems like Wheeler and Syndergaard, that I figured he'd get a haul for Wright.



But I'm having trouble doing this with deGrom. He's one of my favorite all-time Mets, like top two -- or three at worst, and the only active Met on that list. In 2021, he was pitching better than any pitcher that ever played the game. Same for last season other than his last two starts. Cohen has the money and these Mets are expected to contend so this is like the exact opposite of the Wright situation of ten years ago with an awful team run by owners with limited finances and resources. I'm rooting for the Mets to re-sign deGrom.

Lefty Specialist wrote: What I fear is that a lot of FA's may ask more from the Mets than other teams, just because of Uncle Steve's money.

I've been thinking the same exact thing, and since last year's off-season. Wonder how Cohen will deal with this if it's true? Even if the money's not an issue for Cohen, nobody likes to be taken advantage of that way, I would imagine.

[batmagadanleadoff]

i think it's just because rotoworld sees baseball through the lens of fantasy baseball, not in terms of actual real teams and real players.

Yeah. That's it. I didn't catch the "rotoworld" tag.

[kcmets]

I dunno, and we'll see, but unless Jacob really wants to flee Flushing I can't

imagine the Mets not giving him another million per year than any other offer

or tacking on an additional year even knowing he may be toast by whenever.



If he's hell bent for Arlington, I'm fine with that too and we'll move on...

[batmagadanleadoff]

So today's the first day of free agency where free agents may officially negotiate with any other team. And here's a really crazy idea: maybe Cohen signs Aaron Judge by making him an offer he can't refuse and nobody else can top, in part, to make the Mets even more attractive for deGrom.

[Edgy MD]

Seeing as he's not shy about having Hall of Fame ambitions, I suspect that a chance to accumulate some victories on his record matters at least a little to the guy. And some things about his tenure with the Mets have conspired to deny him from doing that as successfully as he might.



How that factors in is all speculation, but sure, an unimpeachable slugger added to the lineup posthaste is as good a way as any to start negotiations in good faith.

[Benjamin Grimm]

He would be only the third Hall-of-Famer to come out of the Mets farm system.

[Marshmallowmilkshake]

https://www.sny.tv/articles/jacob-degrom-free-agency-buzzhttps://www.sny.tv/articles/jacob-degrom-free-agency-buzz

Jacob deGrom has let the Rangers know he is interested in them (as well as presumably the Mets and perhaps others), but Carlos Rodon may be a better fit for Texas ultimately. The Rangers likely are still a year or two away from contending, and Rodon at 30 may work better than deGrom at 34. Rodon will have a bigger market — since deGrom is expected to seek $40 million plus, which will limit his field. Texas is expected to pursue all the best starters, and will likely sign multiple starters even after acquiring Jake Odorizzi in trade. Rangers baseball president Chris Young suggested they are considering all viable starters, including the top guys. The Rangers showed they are a serious player by spending $500 million on a double-play combination last winter.

If the money is equal, I can't figure out why the Rangers would be appealing to de Grom. Dallas isn't that much closer to Florida, you have to figure Cohen is going to surround him with better players and have better chances to get a ring. The Braves, I would understand. But Texas?

[batmagadanleadoff]

deGrom openly expressing interest in the Rangers before they even make him an offer doesnt bode well for the Mets chances of re-signing him. Also, a few months ago, I read somewhere that deGrom really likes the Arlington/Dallas area and prefers the Texas style of life to New York's. Plus, with his money, he couldn't give a flying fuck that Texas is stingier than New York with social benefits. So Texas isnt solely about being geographically farther from Florida than Georgia.

[kcmets]

=kcmets post_id=112555 time=1667853233 user_id=53]If he's hell bent for Arlington, I'm fine with that too and we'll move on...

[Edgy MD]

Benjamin Grimm wrote: He would be only the third Hall-of-Famer to come out of the Mets farm system.

That's interesting. Nolan Ryan and Tom Seaver are it, huh?

[Benjamin Grimm]

That's it. Just them. I was wondering how that compares to other franchises. (It would only be fair to include players who debuted in the 1960s or later, of course.)

[Edgy MD]

Koosman is probably the closest on the outside looking in.

[batmagadanleadoff]

Edgy MD wrote: Koosman is probably the closest on the outside looking in.

Amos Otis? Koosman has a slightly better case, I think, but Otis is in Kooz's ballpark.

[Edgy MD]

Otis, Straw, David Wright, Dwight Gooden, Paul Blair, and Melvin Mora certainly all popped into my head, among others. But I think the dubious honor goes to Koosman, or maybe Tim Bogar.

[batmagadanleadoff]

Edgy MD wrote: Otis, Straw, David Wright, Dwight Gooden, Paul Blair, and Melvin Mora certainly all popped into my head, among others. But I think the dubious honor goes to Koosman, or maybe Tim Bogar.

Weird, but I totally forgot about every Met on your list other than Otis.

[ashie62]

https://www.sny.tv/articles/jacob-degrom-free-agency-buzzhttps://www.sny.tv/articles/jacob-degrom-free-agency-buzz Jacob deGrom has let the Rangers know he is interested in them (as well as presumably the Mets and perhaps others), but Carlos Rodon may be a better fit for Texas ultimately. The Rangers likely are still a year or two away from contending, and Rodon at 30 may work better than deGrom at 34. Rodon will have a bigger market — since deGrom is expected to seek $40 million plus, which will limit his field. Texas is expected to pursue all the best starters, and will likely sign multiple starters even after acquiring Jake Odorizzi in trade. Rangers baseball president Chris Young suggested they are considering all viable starters, including the top guys. The Rangers showed they are a serious player by spending $500 million on a double-play combination last winter. If the money is equal, I can't figure out why the Rangers would be appealing to de Grom. Dallas isn't that much closer to Florida, you have to figure Cohen is going to surround him with better players and have better chances to get a ring. The Braves, I would understand. But Texas?

Texas spent on Corey Seager Marcus Semien Martin Perez so yes deGrom sent Texas his card

[batmagadanleadoff]

https://www.sny.tv/articles/jacob-degrom-free-agency-buzzhttps://www.sny.tv/articles/jacob-degrom-free-agency-buzz Jacob deGrom has let the Rangers know he is interested in them (as well as presumably the Mets and perhaps others), but Carlos Rodon may be a better fit for Texas ultimately. The Rangers likely are still a year or two away from contending, and Rodon at 30 may work better than deGrom at 34. Rodon will have a bigger market — since deGrom is expected to seek $40 million plus, which will limit his field. Texas is expected to pursue all the best starters, and will likely sign multiple starters even after acquiring Jake Odorizzi in trade. Rangers baseball president Chris Young suggested they are considering all viable starters, including the top guys. The Rangers showed they are a serious player by spending $500 million on a double-play combination last winter. If the money is equal, I can't figure out why the Rangers would be appealing to de Grom. Dallas isn't that much closer to Florida, you have to figure Cohen is going to surround him with better players and have better chances to get a ring. The Braves, I would understand. But Texas? Texas spent on Corey Seager Marcus Semien Martin Perez so yes deGrom sent Texas his card

If deGrom is healthy, the team with the best chance to take the WS title is whatever team deGrom pitches for, so long as that team is a playoff contender. And 40% of the teams now make the playoffs.

[kcmets]

=batmagadanleadoff post_id=112770 time=1668127255 user_id=68]If deGrom is healthy

[batmagadanleadoff]

=kcmets post_id=112771 time=1668129742 user_id=53]
=batmagadanleadoff post_id=112770 time=1668127255 user_id=68]If deGrom is healthy

[Fman99]

=batmagadanleadoff post_id=112749 time=1668118612 user_id=68]


Also, a few months ago, I read somewhere that deGrom really likes the Arlington/Dallas area and prefers the Texas style of life to New York's.

[smg58]

You can fill pages with what you think is going on inside a player's mind. But until he unequivocally turns down the best offer -- which almost never happens -- the bottom line is the bottom line.



MLBTradeRumors said it would take 3 years and $135M to sign him. I would much sooner give more years at that salary to a position player. Honestly, after being all for getting Scherzer last year, I don't think any pitcher is worth that right now. Even if they're healthy, they won't give you enough innings.

[Edgy MD]

=Fman99 post_id=112780 time=1668164430 user_id=86]
=batmagadanleadoff post_id=112749 time=1668118612 user_id=68]


Also, a few months ago, I read somewhere that deGrom really likes the Arlington/Dallas area and prefers the Texas style of life to New York's.

[MFS62]

=smg58 post_id=112797 time=1668187398 user_id=62]
You can fill pages with what you think is going on inside a player's mind. But until he unequivocally turns down the best offer -- which almost never happens -- the bottom line is the bottom line.

[ashie62]

I believe Jake will head south to be nearer to family



Next

[batmagadanleadoff]

The Braves stun Mets fans when they land Jacob deGrom on a two-year, $90 million deal that includes an opt out after Year 1.



One of Jim Bowden's 25 predictions for this off-season, writing for The Athletic .

[Edgy MD]

That would kinda stun me. deGrom ought to be looking for years.