Jacob deGrom must want some of that Max Scherzer money.
The New York Mets ace said on Monday that he plans to opt out of his five-year, $137.5 million at the end of the 2022 season.
The 33-year-old, who turns 34 this season, added that he wants to spend his whole career with the Mets and that he plans to be in constant contact with the team throughout the upcoming offseason.
He is choosing to play through the 2022 season and test the free agency market rather than negotiate a contract extension in-season.
“For me, I don’t want that to be any distraction,” he said, via SNY. “I’m excited about this team, and I’ve said it before, I. love being a Met. Think it would be really cool to be one for my entire career. The plan is to exercise that option and be in constant contact in the offseason with the Mets and Steve Cohen and the front office.”
DeGrom, a two-time Cy Young Award winner, is one of the best pitchers in baseball, when healthy. Last season, he posted 1.08 ERA in 15 starts but injuries kept him from pitching a full season.
The Mets also signed Max Scherzer to a three-year, $130 million contract at age 37, which averages out to $43.3 million annually.
If deGrom can pitch like he has in recent seasons there is no reason to believe why he cannot command similar money, especially from Steve Cohen, who has shown he is not afraid to spend on the best players.
“It’s exciting,” deGrom said. “To see what ownership’s doing and going and getting guys, this is going to be an exciting place to be.”
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