New York Mets: How Steve Cohen can build a dynasty

Building a Dynasty 

If you study the New York Mets roster, you’ll see a couple of glaring holes. Catcher is one. And with Robinson Cano’s 162-game PED suspension, second base is another. Plugs for those holes lie in the free agent market: JT Realmuto and DJ LeMahieu. Realmuto is among the game’s best catchers. He ranked in the 95th percentile in pitch framing in 2020, which, in laymen’s terms, means he’s excellent at presenting pitches to the umpire, turning borderline pitches into surefire strikes. He’s also a model of consistency at the plate; he’s averaged a respectable .280/17/60 slash line since 2016.

LeMahieu might be the best contact-hitter in baseball. The Yankees signed him prior to the 2019 season, and he made an immediate impact, swatting .327 while producing an eye-popping 6.0 WAR. In 2020’s shortened Covid season, LeMahieu hit .364 and whacked 10 homers. In an era where it’s all-or-nothing, home-run-or-strikeout, LeMahieu employs a refreshing contact-oriented approach.

Something else to consider: you can never have too much good pitching. This year’s N.L. Cy Young Winner – the contentious Trevor Bauer – is a free agent, and he’d be the perfect augmentation to a rotation already flush with aces. Bauer is hungry, huge-work-ethic, do-anything-to-win type guy and that would spread a good message in the Mets under-performing clubhouse.

Bauer spins the ball like a record, using two great breaking balls, a slider and hard-biting knuckle-curve. Bauer’s showcased Cy-Young-like potential for years, but he finally put it all together in 2020, posting a 1.73 ERA while whiffing 100 batters in 73 innings. Imagine pairing Bauer with DeGrom, Syndergaard, and Stroman. You’re looking at rotation comparable to the 1990s Atlanta Braves.

Cohen’s bank account is his biggest asset as the Mets owner. He needs to take advantage of his deep pockets right away and dip into this year’s free agent market. Mets President Sandy Alderson said it best during a Nov. 10 press conference “We now can emphasize the acquisition rather than the cost.”

It’s time for Cohen and the New York Mets to emphasize those acquisitions, starting with Realmuto, LeMahieu, and Bauer.

Steinbrenner’s Example 

George Steinbrenner built the Yankees dynasty with his checkbook. There’s no better example than the Yank’s last World Championship in 2009. Following a disappointing 2008 season where the team missed the playoffs, Steinbrenner shelled out 3 massive contracts: C.C. Sabathia for seven-years and $161 million, Mark Teixeria for 8-years and $180 million, and AJ Burnett for 5 years and $82.5 million. The result: the Yankees 27th World Series title.

Cohen can do the same thing: make the obvious financial moves to bring in baseball’s best free agents. Cohen can ameliorate the New York Mets dysfunction by opening his pockets. And, as he opens his pockets, a window swings open, a window for a dynasty, and a window for the Mets to do something special.