The New York Mets are likely to be aggressive in improving the roster before July’s MLB trade deadline. And one MLB insider feels they should consider a reunion with franchise legend Jacob deGrom.
Heading into their game on Thursday, the Mets being tied for the best record in the league proves last season was no fluke. And the club is a legitimate title contender in 2025. So bolstering their roster for a championship run is surely on the front office’s mind. Despite having one of the better pitching staffs in the league, you can never have enough talented arms come playoff time.
It was also a key topic in a new column from New York Post MLB insider Joel Sherman this week. He admits that once their starting rotation regains full health, they may have enough to win it all in October. However, if they do look to add a starter, he suspects they would aim for a front-line arm that could start Game 1 or 2 of any given series. And he believes Jacob deGrom could be that guy.
Before we get to the case Sherman makes for the Mets to bring back one of the greatest pitchers in team history, he does explain why it may still be a long shot.
“I do not think the Rangers want to concede. DeGrom has a full no-trade clause. Routine and comfort are huge to him. And there are those who have played with deGrom who think he and his family are comfortable in Dallas,” Sherman wrote. “There also is the little business that he is being paid $40 million this year, has two years at $75 million due for 2026-27, and has a long injury history.”
Jacob deGrom contract: Five years, $185 million
The case for a New York Mets and Jacob deGrom reunion
Those are all fair points. The two-time Cy Young Award winner still has a boatload of money left on his deal in his age 38 and 39 seasons. Furthermore, family is important, and he may believe being separated from them could have a major effect on his production if he accepted a trade. And there is his lengthy injury history that New York fans are well aware of. The 37-year-old is only a couple of seasons removed from a second Tommy John surgery.
However, the future Hall of Famer has looked healthy and strong this season. Mets fans would have preferred him to finish his career in Queens. But the Rangers made an offer that the club was not comfortable matching. The chance for deGrom to make a return at a time when the team is again a serious title contender just feels right.
Jacob deGrom stats (2025): 6-2 record, 2.12 ERA, 0.917 WHIP, 74 strikeouts, 17 walks
But beyond feelings, Sherman believes the data offers good reason for team president David Stearns to actually consider the move before the trade deadline.
“He also isn’t throwing as hard or striking out as many. Yet, he is averaging 97.1 mph with his four-seamer, seventh-best in the majors, and whiffing one in four batters,” he explained. “But here’s the big thing — when he pitches, he still pitches great. He has a 179 ERA-plus, which is better than his career mark of 157, and is fourth-best ever.
“DeGrom is a Game 1 starter, yet just might be too risky and costly even if the Rangers decided to sell and the righty waived his no-trade. But wouldn’t a return to Flushing be something?”
More New York Mets news and rumors:
- Mets called ‘perfect trade landing spot’ for one-time All-Star having nightmare season
- Mets should trade for former All-Star to upgrade center field, per insider
- Insider suggests Mets could lose Pete Alonso to hated rival this winter
