Jacob deGrom: Mets 'should be able to make it to the playoffs, hopefully to World Series'
Mets starting pitcher Jacob DeGrom delivers against the Miami Marlins in an MLB baseball game at Citi Field on Sunday, July 13, 2014. Credit: Kathleen Malone-Van Dyke
Jacob deGrom, who was named National League Rookie of the Year on Monday, said he believes the Mets will make it to the postseason and possibly beyond in 2015.
On the same day the pitcher won his award, the Mets signed free-agent outfielder Michael Cuddyer to a two-year deal worth $21 million.
"I think we should be able to make it to the playoffs next year," deGrom said, "and hopefully get to the World Series."
DeGrom, who spoke Tuesday at the Mets Clubhouse Shop in Manhattan after marching in the New York City Veterans Day Parade, said he fully embraces heightened expectations after the club signed Cuddyer. DeGrom added that the Mets should improve with a healthy Matt Harvey and David Wright.
"With Harvey coming back, another great pitcher, and we got Cuddyer, and David is going to be healthy," deGrom said, "so when all that comes together, it should be something special."
Unlike last year, expectations for deGrom also will be high. The 26-year-old former college shortstop was a relative unknown entering last season. He joined the rotation in May after Dillon Gee was injured. To the surprise of many, deGrom went 9-6 with a 2.69 ERA and 1.14 WHIP while striking out 144 in 1401/3 innings.
DeGrom said the turning point of his season came when he rebounded from an ugly start against the Cardinals on June 16. He allowed six runs and 12 hits in 41/3 innings in St. Louis. He had a 1.99 ERA in 15 starts (991/3 innings) after that outing.
"That gave me a lot of confidence,'' deGrom said. "That was a tough start and I was still new to the big leagues, so to be able to come back from that and start throwing the ball well was a big confidence booster."
The whirlwind season, culminating with becoming the Mets' fifth Rookie of the Year, hasn't sunk in yet, he said.
"I've been kind of busy," deGrom said. "I think it will when I get home. It gives me a little confidence heading into next year, so I'm looking forward to that."
DeGrom, who is listed at 6-4 and 180 pounds, said he will put on a little weight for next season. He doesn't expect much else to change. Oh, except, from his perspective, he'll likely be pitching for a contender.
"Hopefully, if everyone stays healthy," he said, "we should have a real chance at winning something."
