Mets starter Mike Pelfrey is already under team control until 2014, but would like to remain in New York even longer.
The 26-year-old right-hander said Sunday that he’d be interested in signing an extension with the Mets, according to MLB.com.
“They’d have to bring [an extension] up, but I’m sure we’ll explore it,” Pelfrey said. “I’m definitely open to it.”
Pelfrey has had his best season to date in 2010, going 15-9 with a 3.75 ERA. He’s logged 189 2/3 innings, while averaging 5.1 strikeouts per nine innings. He hasn’t developed into the ace many thought he would be when the Mets selected him ninth overall in the 2005 draft, but he’s a reliable mid-rotation starter all the same.
Pelfrey, who is represented by Scott Boras, is eligible for arbitration for the first time this offseason, and should see a substantial raise from the $500,000 he made in 2010. Not only does he lead the Mets in wins, he is also their most durable pitcher. He’s thrown at least 184 innings in each of the past three seasons.
If the Mets elect not to sign Pelfrey to a long-term deal, they would stand to lose both him and Johan Santana after the 2014 season.
