The New York Mets finally got their ace back. Jacob deGrom hasn't missed a beat since making his season debut, and not even the recent string of injuries has been enough to hold him back.
Arguably the most talented pitcher to ever live, deGrom is the best player on the mound when healthy. That's why the Mets must do whatever it takes to re-sign him when he opts out of his contract in the offseason.
DeGrom Doesn't Hide His Intentions
deGrom was quite clear before the start of the season. He didn't hide his intentions to opt out of the deal and either work out a new contract or find a new home:
"That’s the business side of baseball. As a player, you build in opt-outs, and that’s the business side," deGrom said, per Anthony DiComo. "But for me, I don’t want that to be any distraction. I’m excited about this team. I’ve said it before, I love being a Met. I think it would be really cool to be one for my entire career, but the plan is to exercise that [opt-out]."Two Teams Could Swoop In
Months ago, The New York Post's Jon Heyman hinted at the Texas Rangers and Atlanta Braves as potential destinations for the righty:
"Mets people are convinced deGrom will opt out almost no matter what," wrote Heyman. "Though the Braves have been rumored, it is hard to see them gambling if they have doubts at all—they took five star players to arbitration and drew a line on iconic Freddie Freeman. The Rangers may make more sense."Braves Are Leading The Race
However, ESPNs' Buster Olney points out that the Braves should be at the top of the race for his services should he become available:
"There is a perception in some corners of the industry that if Jacob deGrom follows through with what he said in the spring and opts out of his Mets' contract, the Braves will be the favorites to land him," Olney tweeted.They Want An Ace
Braves president Alex Anthopoulos recently told Jim Bowden that he's looking forward to bolstering the rotation in the offseason, so pursuing deGrom would make sense:
“Every time I ask AA what he’s looking for, he says “an ace, I always wants a #1 starter.” They’re going to have enough money to go jump on that whenever one becomes available," Bowden reported.The Braves already have Max Fried, while Kyle Wright and Spencer Strider sure look like potential stars, so the rest of the league will be in serious trouble if they also land the best pitcher in the world.
]]>The Inquisitr
