Mets: Putting a bow on the first offseason under Steve Cohen

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Feb 25, 2021; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; A detailed view of the spring training logo on the cap worn by New York Mets outfielder Jose Martínez during spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY SportsJosé Martínez /

New York Mets baseball returns on April 1 in full force. It’s an undeclared National Holiday in America. Major League Baseball’s Opening Day signals to the country that spring is actually here and it’s time to start thinking about getting on that keto diet you’ve been researching all winter long.

This offseason was a fun one for the Mets. Even if it didn’t go the way we all wanted or expected, there were plenty of interesting stories, some intriguing transactions, and a whole lot of anticipation.

Let’s put a bow on the offseason and move on from yearning for baseball and turn our gaze to watching some actual games be played.

First, let’s look back at some of my favorite stories from this offseason.

Mets were in on literally everyone this winter

Writing about what the Mets may do, should do, and are doing is always my favorite part of the offseason. It’s what baseball fans seem to enjoy discussing the most. Games are self-explanatory. Roster building is pure opinion.

I don’t think there was a single free agent the Mets didn’t at least consider. Based on all of the offseason rumors we saw flash across our screens, the front office was a 24/7 operation with the goal to turn over every stone.

Considering the moves they did make, I tend to believe they truly were doing their homework on everyone. Who would have thought they would end up with so many depth pieces rather than the household names?

Time will tell whether or not this strategy works. In the meantime, I’m ready to see what guys like Kevin Pillar and Taijuan Walker can offer the ball club.

Mar 11, 2021; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Trevor Bauer (27) pitches against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning of a spring training game at Camelback Ranch-Glendale. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

The Trevor Bauer saga highlighted the offseason

The Mets’ interest in Trevor Bauer and the possibility of signing the reigning NL Cy Young winner was one of the biggest offseason stories we saw. There came a point when fans were treated to daily updates on whether or not he’d wear orange and blue in 2021.

From the jump, some fans preferred someone a little less loud and obnoxious. Others changed their stride as the offseason went on. Bauer did little to help his case at making Mets fans get down on their knees and beg for him to sign with New York. When he finally did make a decision, Bauer made even more enemies in New York. It wasn’t so much because he chose the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was his big-headed trolling.

The Mets didn’t get the guy. Nevertheless, the debate raging on all winter about whether or not they should pay the piper was one of my absolute favorite stories. The Mets haven’t been linked to a pitcher of his ilk since I joined Rising Apple. To finally have a chance to analyze every aspect of it was a joy.

The best possibility of all may have been the end result, too. The Mets have more payroll flexibility to extend other players. Any games they play the Dodgers now have even more meaning.

We may not get to see it this year, but surely, Bauer will pitch at Citi Field one day against the Mets. When it happens, expect some chaos.

Feb 24, 2021; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets shortstop Jonathan Villar (1) takes batting practice during spring training workouts at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /

Getting to know the new members of the Mets

Jonathan Villar is still playing? Is it Albert Almora or Alberto Almora? Joey Lu-what?

I was surprised by a lot of what the Mets did this winter. The Francisco Lindor trade didn’t blow me away because the possibility of landing him felt real early on. Still, it was fun to finally have a reason to check out exactly what he has done in his major league career.

The Mets gave us a lot of new names and faces—the two are usually mutually exclusive with very few exceptions. The roster looks much different than it did one year ago. The transactions made this winter, while not all will be home runs, cranked up the excitement level to 11.

The team didn’t just “ran it back” which was great to see. There are times when that can work. Finishing in a tie for last-place in your division is not one of them.

Along with the new players on the major league roster, the Mets have retooled farm system. They didn’t trade away anyone of major significance from their top prospects list. Instead, they added.

Khalil Lee might not be the next superstar outfielder in the majors. He is, however, already a top ten prospect within the organization.

The Mets didn’t spend wildly or gut the farm system to get better. Quite frankly, they couldn’t have done things much better while staying within reason.

Every Mets walk-off wins and loss in the postseason. Next

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Not a single move made this winter by the Mets came off as questionable. Fans understand the purpose of each one. It’s hard to not be excited for what lies ahead in 2021.

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Mets were in on literally everyone this winter

The Trevor Bauer saga highlighted the offseason

Getting to know the new members of the Mets

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