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

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.