Jacob deGrom says he'll eventually tell Buck Showalter 'what really happened' behind Mets departure

When asked if it was inevitable that deGrom would leave New York in free agency and if there was ever a chance he'd stay, Showalter said, "Everyone would've liked to have Jake. We had a chance and took steps to make it happen. But Texas made him a lengthier offer."

deGrom turned down the Mets' initial offer of a three-year deal in the $120 million range this offseason, per the New York Post's Joel Sherman.

Sherman also reported that deGrom's camp did not inform the Mets he was accepting Texas' offer until shortly before the announcement of the signing. According to the New York Post's Mike Puma, the Mets were not able to get a final offer to deGrom.

A follow-up question asked the reigning NL Manager of the Year if deGrom left because the Mets got outbid and if he felt deGrom was happy in New York.

"Yes, I do. I just talked to him the other day," Showalter responded, "He said, 'Someday, I'd like to sit down with you and explain what really happened. I really thought I'd be back there.'"

Showalter is taking deGrom's word but also believes the Rangers gave him an offer he couldn't refuse. That's true; deGrom would've been crazy to decline such an offer. It's also a big gamble for the Rangers to trust a pitcher who has only made 27 starts over the last two seasons. 

One day, deGrom might provide closure to his former manager on the situation, but for now, Showalter's focused on the upcoming season.

"He was great to have around. He was always good with me. But the thing is, Jake is from rural central Florida. He just wants to be left alone to pitch. We'll miss him, but I can't dwell on it at this point."

The Mets didn't dwell on deGrom's decision for long. They quickly replaced their former ace with another, signing reigning American League Cy Young Award winner Justin Verlander as part of their offseason spending spree.