PORT ST. LUCIE — Jacob deGrom is ready to exercise — both his right arm and the opt-out in his contract.

The Mets ace proclaimed himself healthy Monday from various elbow ailments, including a low-grade tear of the ulnar collateral ligament, that sidelined him for the second half of last year and said he is planning to become a free agent after this season.

DeGrom signed a five-year extension worth $137.5 million in March 2019 that contains an opt-out after this season. On Sunday, team owner Steve Cohen indicated there were no plans to negotiate with deGrom before he can exercise that opt out.

“As a player, you build in opt-outs and that is the business side of it, but for me I don’t want this to be any distraction,” deGrom said. “I am excited about this and said it before, love being a Met. I think it would be really cool to be one for my entire career, but the plan is to exercise my option, and be in constant contact in the offseason with the Mets and Steve Cohen and the front office.”

DeGrom threw a bullpen session alongside Max Scherzer on Monday and said his health isn’t a concern.

“The way I feel now I am very confident with it,” deGrom said. “I think after the inflammation stuff in my arm got out last year, having the looks at it again and being told the UCL looked completely fine, that was somewhat reassuring. I felt really good this offseason and throwing five or six bullpens before I came down here and it felt really good, and today was another good step in the right direction.”

Scherzer arrived on a three-year contract worth $140 million this offseason, but if there was any question about who will start Opening Day, manager Buck Showalter answered it by saying he plans to give deGrom that honor. It will be the fourth straight Opening Day start for deGrom, a two-time Cy Young Award winner.

“How far we get because of the lockout may present some challenges,” Showalter said. “But right now we’re treating him as you would a normal starter, certainly with some knowledge of things that have gone on in the past and what to look for, but leaning on him is important for a club and Jake’s a big part of that.”

DeGrom pitched to a 1.08 ERA in 15 starts last season. Even before the elbow discomfort that kept him from pitching beyond July 7, he dealt with various other ailments, including side discomfort that he said might have been the result of swinging the bat.

The right-hander indicated he likely will be more forthcoming this season with any physical issues that arise.

“Maybe try to stay on top of things a little more,” deGrom said. “If little things come up just try to stay on top of them because there are times when you will not say anything and it will be a snowball effect.”

DeGrom ranked in MLB’s 100th percentile for fastball velocity last season, averaging 99.2 mph with his four-seamer, according to baseball savant. He was asked if he is confident he can continue throwing that hard and remain healthy through a season.

“Yeah, I think so,” deGrom said.