By WFAN.com
Noah Syndergaard is disappointed that the Mets haven't given Jacob deGrom a contract extension.
DeGrom, who won the NL Cy Young award in 2018, said on Saturday that he wasn't as optimistic about getting a deal done with the Mets before opening day on March 28.
On Sunday, Syndergaard spoke to the media and expressed his frustration at the lack of an agreement between deGrom and the Mets.
"I think Jake's the best pitcher in baseball right now," said Syndergaard. "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 the fuss and pay the man already."
After arbitration, the Mets and deGrom agreed to a $17 million salary for 2019. DeGrom had given a deadline of opening day to agree to an extension, but it now appears likely that the deadline will pass without a new deal.
Syndergaard was asked if the lack of an extension sent a bad message to deGrom, especially given the other pitchers across the league who have gotten new contracts in the past few days.
"I think so yes, because of what you see in what's going on in baseball right now. If there wasn't a trend of other guys getting contract extensions, then I don't know what the circumstance would be. But you see Chris Sale, (Justin) Verlander getting extensions. I think it's time Jacob gets one too."
DeGrom has been with the Mets since he was drafted by the organization in the ninth round of the 2010 MLB Draft. Syndergaard was drafted by the Blue Jays, but has also only played for the Mets in the major leagues. Together, the two starters are the anchors of a starting rotation that has a big task on its hands: helping the team rebound from a disappointing campaign last year.
Before his media availability was over, Syndergaard also aired his frustrations over the Mets' upcoming trip to Syracuse before the season gets going.
"You'd think we'd go to New York to get, as adults, our things and our affairs in order, but no – we've got to go to Syracuse first … I don't know whose idea that was, but it's not a smart one. I don't think that's conducive for winning ballgames … but those kinds of decisions are above my paygrade."
Syndergaard added that Mets players felt the same way about the trip and had tried to voice their opposition to management, but to no avail.
Finally, when asked if he was looking forward to the trip to Syracuse, Syndergaard gave a short answer.
"Not even the slightest bit."
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