New York Mets owner Steve Cohen says he will do whatever he can to keep ace pitcher Jacob deGrom.
Saturday, Aug. 29, was an important day for the New York Mets, as they held Old Timer’s Day for the first time since 1994. Not only that, but they finally retired Willie Mays’ No. 24 during the pre-game festivities. It was a huge day for owner Steve Cohen, whose team has the chance to make the postseason in hopes of winning their first World Series title since 1986.
Ahead of the team’s game against the Colorado Rockies, Cohen spoke with the New York Post and was asked about the contractual status of ace pitcher Jacob deGrom, who can opt-out after this season. While Cohen said that it was deGrom’s decision in the end, he said he will do what it takes for him to stay.
“Listen, he certainly has the right to do that. We love Jacob, and I think he’s the best pitcher in baseball,” Cohen said, h/t the New York Post. “We’ll do whatever we can to make sure he stays. But it’s his decision, not ours.”
Steve Cohen willing to do what it takes to get Jacob deGrom to stay
deGrom is in the midst of his five-year, $137.5 million contract and has two seasons remaining on the deal. Yet, he has an opt-out clause at the end of this campaign, and the pitcher has said that he is going to do so.
Prior to this season, deGrom suffered a stress reaction of the scapula in his right shoulder, knocking him out for the first four months of the season. He officially made his season debut on Aug. 2 against the Washington Nationals, and he has shown that he is still his dominant self despite the lengthy absence.
Through five starts, deGrom holds a 2.15 ERA, a 0.55 WHIP, and a 3-1 record. He recorded 46 strikeouts and two walks in 29.1 innings.
The offseason is still a couple of months away, but Cohen is letting the fanbase know that he will do what it takes to try to get deGrom to sign a new contract.
