N.Y. Mets: Jacob deGrom's New Agent Repeats Old Message

From the desk of:  HEAD-BUTTING MR. MET

The Truck Is Unloaded;

LET SPRING TRAINING BEGIN!

ICYMI: 

CATCHERS 

New York Mets: Jacob deGrom Contract Dilemma Shines Spotlight on Double-Agent, Brodie Van Wagenen.

Jacob deGrom wants to get paid.  And who can blame him.  On the heels of a Cy Young award winning performance, he enters 2019 arguably considered the best pitcher in baseball. 

Less than one year ago both Jacob and his former agent Brodie Van Wagenen revealed their position to the Mets regarding a contract extension in a public and rather straightforward manner.  Then something peculiar happened.  By season's end Brodie Van Wagenen was hired as general manager of the New York Mets.  So, rather than sitting side by side with Jacob at the negotiation table, Brodie now sits across from his former client's new representation.  As plot twists go, it's very likely BVW knows exactly what it will take to satiate Camp deGrom.  Only now he gets paid to negotiate what's in the best interest of the Mets checkbook.  That means taking into consideration that Jacob turns 31-years old this summer, and that he is still two years away from free agent eligibility.  Technically, the Mets needn't do a thing ... yet.

Now word comes down that Jacob's representatives have placed an opening day deadline on contract negotiations.  Brodie Van Wagenen says this is a mutual agreement, as neither party wants contract issues becoming a distraction during the regular season.  And there you have it, folks: two versions to the story.  Somewhere in the middle likely lies the truth.

If I were GM ... I'd offer to tear up Jacob's present settlement in return for four years at premium dollar, with a club option for a fifth year.  As a fan, this is a conflicting circumstance; he's an all-time Mets great, and deserves better.  But business is business, and I prefer the Mets remain non-committal beyond his 34th birthday.  That said, it's logical to assume that Camp deGrom is seeking longer term security.

I'd caution the Mets not to budge.