Jacob deGrom, New York Mets. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
Jacob deGrom would not be opposed to only playing for the New York Mets in his MLB career.
The New York Mets are the only big league organization Jacob deGrom has ever known.
The right-handed starting pitcher was taken in the ninth round of the 2010 MLB Amateur Draft out of Stetson University in DeLand, Florida. DeGrom made his major league debut four years later in 2014. He has remained a fixture in the Mets’ starting rotation ever since, making three tips to the All-Star Game, winning two NL Cy Young awards and winning NL Rookie of the Year in 2014.
DeGrom has an opt-out after the 2022 campaign in his five-year deal he signed with the Amazins in 2019. When asked if he has given much thought to it, he said he has not, but does think the idea of playing his entire career with the Mets would be cool. He appreciated how the Mets treated his former teammate in third baseman David Wright when he decided to call it a career in 2018.
Jacob deGrom is on the path to having his No. 48 jersey retired by the Mets
While deGrom has a way to go before he can even think about Cooperstown, he has put together the type of consistency and prowess on the mound to eventually have his No. 48 jersey retired by the Mets organization. 2021 will be deGrom’s age-32 season. Since he is still in the midst of his prime as a pitcher, he is on his way to becoming one of the best pitchers in franchise history.
With the Mets poised to have their best season since winning the pennant back in 2015, deGrom is expected to be part of their next championship-contending team, whenever that season comes. While he is not focus on anything but the season ahead, we have to wonder if deGrom will ever play baseball for another franchise. He is entering his 11th year in the Mets organization in 2021.
If deGrom were to only play for the Metropolitans, it would not necessarily be a bad thing.