By Mike Rifkin
On Friday, February 5th 2021, National League Cy Young award winner Trevor Bauer signed a three-year contract with the World Series Champions Los Angeles Dodgers. Bauer was one of the top 3 free agents and Center Fielder George Springer and Catcher J.T. Realmuto. The 3 have two things in common: they all were rumored to have interest from the New York Mets, and two none of them signed in Queens. But instead of feeling down, Mets fans get excited because times are changing.
On November 6th, 2020, Billionaire hedge fund owner Steve Cohen purchased the Mets for $2.4 billion from the Wilpon family. Cohen coming in was a breath of fresh air to the fans because the Mets were finally going to be a player in the free-agent market. Yes, they didn’t add one of the top tier guys on the free-agent market, but they were a finalist for 2 of them. Now being a finalist doesn’t mean much, but the Mets have become a destination for players.
A core that’s already led by two time Cy Young award winner Jacob DeGrom and First baseman Pete Alonso, along with Right Fielder Michael Conforto and others. Just because he didn’t add a big free agent, the Mets have been active on the free-agent market. With signing reliever, Trevor May, Catcher James McCann, and starting pitcher Marcus Stroman accepted his one-year qualifying offer. Cohen hit the jackpot on the trade market when the Mets acquired star shortstop Francisco Lindor from the Cleveland Indians. Lindor, who is upon becoming a free agent at the end of this upcoming season, hasn’t ruled out the idea of signing long term with the Mets.
At his introductory press conference, Cohen said, “We are not going to spend like drunken sailors.” This meant that Cohen had priced out what he was willing to spend on each free agent and would not budge from the number. Also, it shows that the Mets are going to be aggressive but smart. They realize they have options to do some other things. Cohen also talked about the team having good financial flexibility, which allows them to do some different things.
The Mets have two significant players to extend in Lindor and Right Fielder Michael Conforto, who has turned into a team leader and one of their most important players. Hopefully, with spring training on the horizon, Cohen and company can get these 2 signed long term. Mets fans get excited you have an owner willing to spend the money it takes to win as a fanbase; that is all you can ask.
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