Mets Morning News: Jacob deGrom “probably not as” optimistic about extension

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When speaking to reporters yesterday, Jacob deGrom said he is “probably not as” optimistic about a contract extension before Opening Day as he was. “You see guys signing. I think I see them, too. So I guess we wait,” he said.

deGrom also said he’s really trying not to think about the contract situation because “it’s getting close to Opening Day and I think my focus is on that right now.”

deGrom said there has been dialogue between the two sides, but he doesn’t know where it’s going to end up. He reiterated that he would like to be a Met long-term, but said right now he is focusing on the season ahead because “the rest is kind of out of my control.”

deGrom tossed three perfect innings yesterday, striking out five batters, and said his outing was “the best he’s felt all spring.”

Meanwhile, David Wright said to the New York Post on Friday at First Data Field, “I’ve made it abundantly clear that with my new role, I guess technically I’m considered front office, but I’ve also told the front office that I am very good friends with Jake and that I want it to work out for both sides because I love this organization and I love Jake, so hopefully something can come of it, but each player has to make their own individual decision.” Wright is part of that “players-first” approach Brodie Van Wagenen is preaching and he is thriving in his new role.

Given the fact that the strength of the Mets’ farm system at the moment is on the positional side and with fewer and fewer players hitting free agency, Joel Sherman writes that the Mets should lock up both deGrom and Zack Wheeler right now.

Meanwhile, Kevin Kernan thinks the Mets should consider signing Michael Conforto to a contract extension. “I won’t lie, it’s something that we all think about, something that we dream about. These guys locking up security for their families and doing what’s best for them,’’ Conforto said to The Post on Saturday.

With Hector Santiago and Ryan O’Rourke having been reassigned to minor league camp, it seems that Kyle Dowdy has won the final bullpen spot. But there is still a chance the Mets will pick up another pitcher who has been released by his team.

Luis Guillorme has earned a roster spot as a utility infielder in a surprise move that sent Adeiny Hechavarria packing.

Ruben Tejada is back! The Mets signed him to a minor league contract yesterday.

Jen Murphy of the Wall Street Journal did a full profile on Noah Syndergaard’s more refined approach at the gym.

Around the National League East

Yesterday’s game against the Mets was the Braves’ final game at their spring training home of 22 years.

Drew Anderson did not make the Phillies roster, but he certainly left an impression this spring, posting a 0.71 ERA in four starts.

In perhaps a surprising roster move, the Marlins optioned Peter O’Brien—of David Wright farewell game infamy to Mets fans—to the minors. Don Mattingly called the move “easily our toughest decision.”

The Nationals’ latest roster cuts are starter Joe Ross, catching prospect Spencer Kieboom, and pitching prospect Erick Fedde.

Around Major League Baseball

Another day, another extension. This time, it’s Justin Verlander for two years, $66 million.

The latest trend in defensive shifts in baseball? The four man outfield.

While Nick Senzel’s agent was not shy about calling out service time manipulation when he saw it, Senzel himself gave a more measured response. “What’s next is that you just move on and continue to get better,” he said. “It was disappointing, the news, because I took the challenge head on and learned a new position. I think what gets lost in this is I had a chance to win the job, and I didn’t win the job. That’s how I take it.”

Meanwhile, a bad piece of news for the Reds: Scooter Gennett has a right groin strain, which will sideline him for 8-12 weeks.

Jason Hammel has retired the day after winning a roster spot.

Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue

Linda Surovich previewed Jed Lowrie’s season and Rich Staff took a look at what’s in store for Wilson Ramos in 2019.

Michael Drago covered the latest roster cuts and the Devin Mesoraco situation.

Chris McShane wrote up the Ruben Tejada signing.

I recapped yesterday’s lopsided spring training victory over the Braves.

This Date in Mets History

The Mets acquired a 22-year-old minor league slugger by the name of Jason Bay on this date in 2002. However, Steve Phillips flipped Bay just five months later for Steve Reed. Of course, Bay would end up a New York Met eventually, but in a much different context.