The latest Jacob deGrom rumors name the Atlanta Braves the favorites to sign the New York Mets star pitcher. (Photo by Jim McIsaac/Getty Images)
Jacob deGrom is no lock to return to the New York Mets next season if he chooses to opt out of his contract this offseason.
New York Mets fans have one thing on their mind: that’s staying in first place and winning their first World Series since 1986. Some recent Jacob deGrom rumors about his future with the team has caused some mild distraction.
Fans are hoping deGrom will be a big part of anything the club has planned for this season and beyond. The two-time Cy Young winner is working his way back to the field after sitting out the first 81 games of the season. He made his first rehab start this past Sunday but his future with the team is rather uncertain.
The Jacob deGrom rumors have already started. If he does flee Flushing, these five free agent destinations could make the Mets wish they did things a little differently.
5 free agency destinations for Jacob deGrom: Atlanta Braves
ESPN’s Buster Olney already released the Jacob deGrom rumors linking him to the Atlanta Braves. The timing was a bit odd. deGrom hasn’t pitched all season and the appearances of this speculation didn’t seem to have much basis. As covered on Rising Apple, it felt more like a scare tactic to frighten fans than anything else.
The Mets and Braves are two of the bitterest of rivals in the game. The Braves have dominated the National League East since moving there in 1995. In many of the Mets’ best years, it was the Braves they unsuccessfully chased for a playoff berth.
deGrom to Atlanta would absolutely have fans in New York raging. Even with a more balanced schedule in the works for next season, they’d still have more opportunities to see him pitch for their most hated rival.
Worse yet, it could be deGrom who prevents the Mets from ending their World Series drought—unless of course he helps them end it this year.