Mets GM Billy Eppler reveals what he told Jacob deGrom after move to Rangers

New York Mets general manager Billy Eppler has revealed what he told Jacob deGrom after the ace pitcher agreed to a five-year deal with the Texas Rangers. 

"He made a decision that made sense for him and his family and I wished him well," Eppler said during the winter meetings held in San Diego, per Mike Puma of the New York Post. "Told him, 'I will miss seeing you on a regular basis,' but that was it, and 'congratulations.'" 

The Mets hired Eppler as GM in November 2021, roughly four months before deGrom confirmed he planned to opt out of his contract. The two-time National League Cy Young Award winner then didn't make his 2022 season debut until August after he was sidelined with a stress reaction in the scapula of his pitching shoulder. 

In total, deGrom went 5-4 with a 3.08 ERA and 102 strikeouts across 11 starts and 64.1 innings during what became his last campaign with the Mets. 

Texas reportedly gave deGrom a five-year, $185 million contract that includes a sixth-year vesting option which could boost the deal's value to $222 million. SNY's Andy Martino subsequently noted that sources said that "deGrom never gave the Mets the chance to make a last, best offer." 

"I am not going to get into any details on Jacob’s situation," Eppler added about negotiations between deGrom and the Mets. "We talked a number of times. We talked every single day leading into the week. But beyond that, I am not going to disclose any details. He’s a great pitcher and he gave Mets fans a lot of good memories. We wish him the best and happy he was able to make a decision that he felt was best for him and his family. We will miss him."

Mets owner Steve Cohen wished deGrom "well" via a message shared by SNY Friday night. 

Reports surfaced Monday that the Mets and three-time Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander have agreed to a two-year contract worth $86.6 million that includes a vesting third-year option. Eppler didn't discuss that situation because the Mets haven't officially announced the Verlander deal.