Andy Martino, SNY.tv | Twitter |
Negotiations between the Mets and ace Jacob deGrom are ongoing, with optimism in some corners that the sides will reach a deal by next Thursday's self-imposed deadline.
As of Monday morning, an agreement was not imminent, but the Mets and deGrom's reps continued to hammer away behind the scenes. SNY has previously reported that deGrom is seeking a deal of approximately five years and $150 million; it is not known what type of deal the sides are currently discussing.
The tone of this negotiation has shifted a few times over the course of the winter, which is probably to be expected for a potential deal this large. At the winter meetings in December, deGrom's reps at CAA left a meeting with Mets higher-ups expecting an offer.
When no offer came, team deGrom grew frustrated. Then, the Mets gave deGrom $17 million in his final season of arbitration eligibility, which represented the largest single-season raise in the history of salary arbitration.
At the beginning of spring training, deGrom said that he would not negotiate after Opening Day, and would consider putting limits on his usage this season if he did not receive a contract. GM Brodie Van Wagenen, deGrom's former agent, took pains to note that he agreed with the concept of a deadline, and that talks were peaceful and professional.
At that time, an extension seemed iffy at best, based on conversations with multiple sources involved. But it appears that the dynamic since has been largely positive.
It's hard to say definitively that the current mood of hopefulness will result in a deal. Contract talks can break down or accelerate in an instant. But with the deadline looming, it remains possible that the Mets will lock up their ace by next week.