As the New York Mets prepare for what could be a surprisingly good 2019 season, there’s a major backdrop hovering around the team during spring training.
That’s obviously the long-term status of ace starter Noah Syndergaard. The 26-year-old All-Star has two more arbitration seasons remaining before he ultimately hits free agency.
It led to speculation earlier in the winter that the Mets might look to trade their best pitcher. That obviously didn’t come to fruition.
Even then, Syndergaard’s status with the Mets remains a major talking point in Florida. The hurler opened up about it on Wednesday, indicating that he’s open to talking extension with New York’s brass — led by his former agent Brodie Van Wagenen.
“I trust my ability and the talent that I have. So I feel like I’m going to bet (on) myself in free agency and not do what they did,” Syndergaard said, via Tim Britton of The Athletic. “But if it’s fair for both sides and they approach me on it, then maybe we can talk.”
Neither side has approached one another at this point. Syndergaard is set to earn $6 million this coming season after going through arbitration with the Mets earlier in the winter.
One of the most dominant young hurlers in the game, Syndergaard pitched to a 13-4 record with a 3.03 ERA and 1.21 WHIP in 25 starts last season.