Let the trade rumors commence.
Ever since Jacob deGrom left for the Texas Rangers in free agency, New York Mets fans have been devising ways to get him back in Flushing.
There's no indication that deGrom wants to come back, or that either team is particularly interested in making a deal happen. But with New York in need of starting pitching and Texas a game below .500 at the All-Star break, the days before the deadline will be the time to dream.
deGrom won't be on the same team as his former Mets brethren on Tuesday when he suits up for the All-Star Game. But he did get the opportunity to reflect on his tenure and what it means to reconnect in his third season away from the Big Apple.
No love lost for deGrom
At Monday's All-Star media day, deGrom spoke about seeing the stars that helped him make the playoffs in 2022.
“It was fun to see them,” deGrom said, via SNY. “You make a lot of friends in this game -- I keep in touch with some of those guys still, so it’s good see them and say hello, I’m happy with what they’ve been able to do this year.”
The Mets are 55-42, entering the break 0.5 games out of first place in the National League East. Even without deGrom, they've been able to exceed expectations on the mound. The second half could be even better with Sean Manaea and Kodai Senga back in the fold.
New York sent four players to Atlanta for the All-Star festivities. Shortstop Francisco Lindor, for the first time in a Mets uniform, will start. First baseman Pete Alonso and closer Edwin Díaz made the initial roster as reserves, with starter David Peterson replacing San Francisco Giants pitcher Robbie Ray, who won't be available to pitch in the Midsummer Classic.
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deGrom's comments didn't go unreciprocated. When Alonso was asked about the two-time Cy Young Award, he opined about his talent and perseverance.
“With Jake feeling like himself, there’s never a doubt what his ceiling is,” Alonso said. “He’s a guy that as long as he’s healthy he’s going to be a standout and one of the best in the world at what he does, so I’m super happy for him.
“Being a teammate of his for a long time, just seeing him overcome adversity and get his body right and be able to perform the way he has, it’s special -- he’s a Hall of Fame talent and to see him find that success it’s just really special what he’s been able to do.”
With a 2.32 ERA to his name, deGrom is still finding legitimate success, although it's coming in a different shape than usual. His 26.2% K% is his lowest mark since 2016, which is also the last time his K/9 ended the season in single digits.
This isn't peak deGrom, but his ability to dominate deep into his 30s isn't lost on anyone, especially his former teammates.
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