Jacob deGrom Rumors: Braves Favorites for Mets Star If He Opts out of Contract

Jacob deGrom hasn't pitched in a Major League Baseball game in a year but it's never too early to think about his future.

The Atlanta Braves are thought to be the favorites to sign the two-time National League Cy Young winner if he opts out of his contract with the New York Mets.

DeGrom told reporters during spring training that he was going to become a free agent.

He said that the business side of baseball is the main one. The business side of the game is built in opt-outs. I don't want that to distract me.

DeGrom made a bold statement because of his injury history. He was on the injured list twice because of a shoulder injury. In his final start in 2021, the right-handed pitcher struck out 10 in a seven-inning game against the Brewers.

DeGrom was placed on the injured list. On June 4, he threw 19 pitches.

The team is hoping for a late June or early July return for deGrom. He will make his first rehabilitation start on Sunday.

If deGrom is able to return without any issues, he will be the most sought after free-agent pitcher.

deGrom was going to win a third Cy Young Award before he got shut down. He finished ninth in Cy Young voting even though he didn't pitch for the last 12 weeks of the year.

If there are any injury concerns, deGrom could try to structure a deal like the one Verlander received from the Astros. The 39-year-old signed a two-year, $50 million contract after not pitching in 2021.

The second year of Verlander's deal is a chance for him to become a player.

There is a chance that Atlanta could be a major player in free agency. Between free agents and club options, the club could possibly clear more than 70 million dollars.

Adding more fuel to the rivalry between Atlanta and the Mets is the possibility of Atlanta being in on deGrom.