New York Mets: Wilpon Era mercifully closer to an end

Rejoice New York Mets fans! The end of the Wilpon Era is slowly getting closer.

One could understand if New York Mets fans are skeptical about any possible sale of the franchise. The Wilpon’s had already scuttled one possible deal, when they demanded that they maintain control over the team for five years in their sale to minority owner Steve Cohen. Cohen, understandably, backed away from that deal as quickly as possible.

As it turns out, the Wilpon’s were actually serious about wanting to sell the franchise. Despite the pandemic, and the economic downturn, they had sought buyers for the team, indicating that they would cede control once a sale was finalized. Five different suitors, including Cohen, stepped forward to purchase the Mets.

Now, the day of reckoning is coming. The Mets have asked that the final offers be made by August 31, and that these offers show the viability of their financing.

Of course, that is just the beginning. Offers need to be vetted and examined. The Wilpon’s will then need to determine which offer they will accept. And then, 23 other owners need to vote in favor of the sale in order for it to be approved.

It should not be a surprise that this sale has been a disaster to this point. Fred Wilpon has been, at minimum, a partial owner of the team since 1980, and became the sole owner after buying out Nelson Doubleday Jr. in 2002. That purchase came with the help of outside arbitrators, as there were differences of opinion as to the value of the franchise and a rift in ownership that had members of the front office being forced to choose sides.

There have been occasional highlights in the Wilpon’s ownership. They have reached the postseason three times since they took over as the primary owners. The Mets captured the National League pennant in 2015. But for the most part, the team has wallowed in mediocrity, not nearly bad enough for a top draft pick, but also not good enough to reach the playoffs.

But there is a light at the end of the tunnel. The Wilpon Era, one marked by a refusal to take that final step to contend and their being duped by Bernie Madoff, is getting closer to an end. If nothing else, it is something that New York Mets fans can take solace in.