Andy Martino, SNY.tv | Twitter |
PORT ST. LUCIE - Jacob deGrom's new representative at CAA, Jeff Berry, was in Mets camp on Thursday, part of the usual rounds that agents make this time of year. Berry dined with a different client, Tim Tebow, on Wednesday, and surely checked in with other players.
But with deGrom's opening day deadline looming, and his threat to self-impose an innings limit hanging in the air, Berry's visit generated significantly more interest than usual.
Still, the Mets and deGrom are no closer to reaching an agreement on the contract extension that the pitcher wants, and that Brodie Van Wagenen wants to give him.
According to two people familiar with talks, the team has not yet extended an offer to deGrom's camp. The sides are talking, and will continue to do so through spring training.
Although deGrom's camp was frustrated by the lack of an offer after a meeting in November, sources on all sides of the negotiations characterized the current situation as professional, and not contentious.
There is also an increased effort to keep talks quiet, and prevent information from leaking. Don't expect deGrom or Van Wagenen to say much more about this situation for the remainder of spring training.
Inside the Mets clubhouse, deGrom's status has not been a distraction. The ace is well-regarded by teammates, and simply going about his business of preparing for the season.
As for whether an extension will get done, that appears iffy at best. Even people directly involved with the negotiation seem genuinely unsure if the pitcher and team will find common ground. This much is certain: They haven't made progress yet.