Jacob deGrom wants the Cy Young, and there's no reason to bet against him

by Tim Reilly January 18, 2018 0 Comments

Last season, Jacob deGrom gave us a reason to watch the Mets every fifth game, and now he’s intent on taking it to the next level in 2018.

In an interview with John Harper of the Daily News, deGrom revealed that he has his eyes set on Cy Young hardware this season.

"That's the main goal,” deGrom said. "You set the bar high and go after it. That's what I'm striving for."

Jake is a man of few words, so when he speaks, I know he means business.

DeGrom is the stalwart of the rotation. The closest thing to a “story” you’ll get about him is that he cut his hair, and I love him for that. Matt Harvey has a need to be in the spotlight at all times. Noah Syndergaard enjoys entertaining the masses on social media by “feuding” with Mr. Met, not to mention scaring the shit out of us by lifting heavy weights. Steven Matz can’t pick up a baseball without flinching his left shoulder. Truthfully, I don’t know what to make of Zack Wheeler just yet.

But while arms went down one-by-one last season, deGrom stood even taller than his 6’4” frame and cemented himself as “the man” in the Mets’ rotation. He finished 15-10, posting a 3.53 ERA and 1.19 WHIP with a career-high in starts (31), strikeouts (239) and innings pitched (201.1). Let’s not forget he was pitching with seemingly the entire team on his back each and every time out.

There’s a fire that burns within him to compete at the highest level, and you can see it in his eyes behind his glove before every pitch. If his mind is set on winning the Cy Young, give him the ball and get out of his way. This is the mentality I wish every pitcher truly had.

If this rotation is ever going to come together once more, it’s going to be behind its leading man, and that's deGrom. Actions speak louder than words, and it’s time for the rest of the rotation to fall in line and follow deGrom’s lead on the mound.

By all accounts, Jake is a nice guy, and even though they say say nice guys finish last, I have a feeling that won't be the case when it comes to the 2018 Cy Young voting…

I might see if the Mets will let me leave a deposit now for Opening Day in 2019, to see Jake get his hardware in person. Because I'm not betting against deGrom.