DeGrom Causing Problems for the Mets
In order to protest against his 2016 salary, New York Mets pitcher Jacob deGrom is currently refusing to sign his contract. Because deGrom is not considered arbitration-eligible, the Mets have the right to assign deGrom a salary as low as $507,500. The Mets currently are assigning a salary of $607,000 this year, which to deGrom, is disrespectful.
The 27-year old has done a lot in such a short period of time in the MLB, being named the National League ROTY in 2014, as well as representing the Mets in the All-Star Game in 2015.
25 of the 40 players who were not considered “arbitration-eligible”, but only deGrom is currently refusing to sign his contract with the Mets.
“I’ve said before, I love playing here. And I want to be in this uniform for a long time. It was just a decision based on the business side of the game.”
Would it be smart for the Mets to cave in? A similar situation happened back in 2006 with David Wright in which the Mets adjusted. Ever since that negotiation, Wright and the Mets have continued to have a positive relationship.
As for current contract talks, deGrom noted that “we haven’t talked about anything yet,” deGrom said. “I don’t think this will affect that (our season) in any way. I think we’re still open to discussions for long-term things. Nothing is in the works now.
