Jacob deGrom is pitching better than just about anyone in MLB history, and it could result in a monster payday. The New York Mets ace has the ability to become a free agent after the 2022 season, when he would likely command a record-setting contract.

Just prior to the start of the 2019 season, the Mets signed deGrom to a five-year $137.5 million extension. Given the kind of money that starting pitchers have received in the last two offseasons, deGrom’s average annual salary of $27.5 million has turned into a bargain.

DeGrom’s contract runs through the 2024 season, but the 33-year-old can opt out of the deal before 2023. The Mets have 16 months to prevent the starter from reaching free agency, though nothing is expected to change in that regard prior to the offseason.

“I’m focused on this year,” Mets owner Steve Cohen told reporters this past weekend when asked about discussing an extension with deGrom during the season. “I don’t think it’s the right moment. We’re focused on this year, so obviously it’s something we’re thinking about. We love Jacob.”

The Mets and deGrom discussed an extension in spring training, according to SNY’s Andy Martino, but the two sides didn’t come close to an agreement during preliminary contract talks. DeGrom’s leverage has only increased since those discussions as he continues to prove that he is clearly the best pitcher in all of baseball.

In 12 starts, deGrom has pitched to a microscopic 0.50 ERA while never surrendering more than a single run in any outing. In 72 innings, deGrom has allowed four earned runs, 10 walks and 27 hits. The right-hander has struck out 117 batters and pitched 30 straight scoreless innings.

When forced to hit, deGrom has been better than most. In 27 at-bats, deGrom is hitting .407 with 6 RBI. He is favored to win the 2021 NL Cy Young award and MVP award.

The 2018 and 2019 NL Cy Young winner, deGrom finished third in the 2020 voting. Trevor Bauer won the award for the truncated 2020 season.

Coming off his Cy Young campaign, Bauer signed a three-year, $102 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Bauer is MLB’s highest-paid player with a $38 million salary and he could make a record $85 million in his first two seasons with L.A.

Prior to the 2020 season, the New York Yankees gave Gerrit Cole the biggest contract of any pitcher in MLB history. Cole signed a nine-year, $324 million deal for an average annual value of $36 million.

It would be hard for deGrom to match that deal since he’s four years older than Cole when the Yankees ace agreed to his contract. On a per-season basis, however, the Mets’ ace is on track to make more money than anyone who’s ever put on an MLB uniform.

Cohen is MLB’s richest owner, and he’s not afraid to pay a premium for his best players. The Mets traded for Francisco Lindor in the offseason and gave him a $341 million extension before Opening Day.

If deGrom keeps up this level of production, he might be able to name his price when the Mets are ready to have serious contract negotiations.

Jacob deGrom New York Mets
Jacob deGrom #48 of the New York Mets pitches in the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on August 13, 2018 in the Bronx borough of New York City. Jim McIsaac/Getty Images
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