Jacob deGrom declines to sign 2016 Mets contract in protest

New York Mets right-hander Jacob deGrom has declined to sign his 2016 contract in tepid protest over his salary.

deGrom is set to make $607,000 this year, up from $556,875 in 2015. Since deGrom isn't arbitration eligible until next offseason, the Mets had the right to give him any figure above the league minimum of $507,500.

But deGrom thinks he's worth more than that. Over two big league seasons, deGrom has gone 23-14 with a 2.61 ERA, including 3-1 with a 2.88 ERA in last year's postseason, helping lead the Mets to the World Series. deGrom hasn't indicated what he thinks he's worth.

Despite the disagreement in salary, deGrom said he has no hard feelings for the Mets, and he is still open to signing a long-term contract with the team. You may recall that Mike Trout was frustrated with his $510,000 contract offer from the Angels in 2013, but just a year later he signed a six-year, $144.5 million extension.

Even without deGrom's signature, he will still pitch for the Mets this year. The team owns his draft rights, so his signature is merely a formality.