For New York Mets fans, the National League East title and the World Series appearance in 2015 were the last glorious moments for the franchise. Losing the NL Wild Card game in 2016 stung. 2017 and 2018 were hard to watch at times besides when Jacob deGrom was on the mound. 2019 was full of disappointment because of they did not live up to their potential. The 2020 60-game season was rough, finishing tied for fourth place and below .500.
Five seasons filled with false hope, tough injuries, weird transactions, and many different executives, coaches and players. The Mets were restrained by their former owners, the Wilpons, by treating the team like a small market and refusing to sign big-name players to lucrative deals. Being a fan of the Amazins has not been easy, as per usual. A World Series title has nothing been won by the team since1986, 35 years ago.
However, there is a culture change occurring in Flushing. Fred and Jeff Wilpon sold the team, finally, to billionaire hedge fund manager and philanthropist Steven A. Cohen, who is more than willing to make big moves and open up the checkbook for the right players. He is a life-long Mets fan and wants to see more banners raised at Citi Field.
One of the best things about Cohen is that he will treat his people right. He reimbursed thousands of Mets’ employees that were furloughed due to the pandemic. It costed millions but was the right thing to do and demonstrated the values he will instill in this organization. To help fight COVID-19, he worked with New York City officials to use Citi Field as a temporary vaccination center.
Sandy Alderson, who was the team’s general manager from 2010 to 2018, is now back as President. He will have more overall control within the organization, but he will not be completely hands-on. He hired new general manager Jared Porter, an apprentice of the genius Theo Epstein for years, from the Arizona Diamondbacks. The two have been making a splash this offseason by greatly improving the roster prior to the 2021 season.
The biggest move, so far, has been their blockbuster trade with the Cleveland Indians. The Mets acquired four-time All-Star, and arguably the best shortstop in the majors, Francisco Lindor and veteran pitcher Carlos Carrasco in exchange for shortstop asked Rosario, infielder Andres Gimenez and two prospects.
Lindor makes the Mets’ lie up explosive. Besides being a high-caliber hitter and a strong base runner, He is a two-time Gold Glove Award winner and New York was in dire need to improve their defense. Lindor is looking to be extended and could become the face of this franchise for 2020’s decade if he signs long-term.
Carrasco brings great presence to the clubhouse, being a cancer-survivor and 2019 Roberto Clemente Award winner for his work with children with cancer during his own battle. In addition to his genuine personality, he is an experience and talented right-hander that will bring significant depth to the rotation for at least the next two seasons.
Through free agency, the Mets signed reliever Trevor May. He deepens the bullpen and gives the team more options. The Mets found their catcher for the next four season after they signed All-Star James McCann to a $40 million contract. Like Lindor, he improves their defense as well and adds another consistent bat to their lineup.
A winning culture is being built in Flushing and keep your eyes on the New York Mets. 2021 could be their year because of how good their prior talent was and their new additions. Even if a title is not won this year, the Mets are built for the future and are going to be a threat in the National League for years to come. The Mets are no longer a laughingstock and are ready to prove it.
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