Mets: Jacob deGrom’s agent offers possible ultimatum on his client’s future

Jacob deGrom’s agent has given the New York Mets a possible ultimatum: sign him to an extension or trade him.

The New York Mets are at a crossroads with Jacob deGrom. The trade rumors surrounding the star pitcher have gone somewhat silent in recent weeks, but his agent is making noise.

CAA’s Brodie Van Wagenen who represents deGrom and has won multiple “Best Name Ever” Awards in his lifetime, told the Mets it’s either time to sign deGrom to an extension or trade him.

With the trade deadline looming, the Mets have a big decision to make about what they do with their number one pitch. Do they give in either way with deGrom? Whatever they do could have a huge effect on the franchise.

Inking deGrom to an extension is a very smart move. He hasn’t shown any signs of slowing down. In fact, he seems to get better each year.

Detractors will reference his age as a reason why they shouldn’t extend him. It’s not an age-related thing. It’s about mileage on his arm. deGrom doesn’t have nearly the amount of innings as other pitchers. Even if he did, what’s to say he won’t pitch well even at 35?

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If the Mets trade deGrom, I believe they are punting the 2019 season. Trading deGrom is a risky move because I don’t see them playing well next year without him. By keeping deGrom, they give themselves a chance as slim as it may feel.

The problem with this franchise goes beyond deGrom. They cannot undergo a full rebuild because of how many poor short-term contracts they have on the books. They have no shot at moving Jay Bruce until at least next summer. Yoenis Cespedes will ride out his contract with the Mets whether he plays 50% of the time or not.

An extension for deGrom would also reward the fans who have stuck with this franchise. There aren’t many reasons to root for them right now. Telling the public they want to keep their ace for the next few seasons helps their cause.

When you boil it all down, what they do with deGrom says what they desire from the franchise. They can go after a championship for the next two years and have a viable shot at it. Or they can quit now and try to compete again by 2021 or later.

It seems to me that the Mets are running out of time to extend deGrom. His agent is Van Wagenen, not Van Winkle. He’s not going to sleep until his client makes the big bucks.

Next: Mets trade deadline predictions

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Quite frankly, deGrom deserves it, too.