The New York Mets had a plan in place. The first piece of the puzzle was to bring back Steven Matz to solidify the middle of the rotation. It was inevitable that he would return; his representatives had apparently entered a verbal agreement with team owner Steve Cohen that they could match any offer he received in free agency.
Then Matz went to the Cardinals. Once that decision was announced, Cohen took to Twitter to vent his frustrations, saying that people’s word just does not matter. It was yet another failed pursuit in a Mets’ offseason that was full of them.
Steven Matz served as catalyst for New York Mets spending spree
Cohen did more than just vent his frustrations at the Twitterverse at large. He essentially decided that the Mets would be a laughing stock no longer, seemingly telling new general manager Billy Eppler to get anyone needed no matter the cost. The checkbook was open, and Cohen was ready to sign anything he needed to.
That spree began on Black Friday. In a few hours, the Mets had come away with Eduardo Escobar, Mark Canha, and Starling Marte. Not only had they upgraded their outfield, but the Mets had drastically improved their defensive versatility on their bench.
The next bomb dropped on Monday. The Mets signed Max Scherzer to a three year deal, giving them what may be the best 1-2 punch in baseball. While they could still use another arm in the rotation, and some help in the bullpen, the Mets have suddenly become a formidable opponent.
Chances are, they are not done spending. Cohen is determined to win a championship, and being spurned by Matz only seems to have incited his anger. Now, if it is possible to purchase a title, the Mets are going to do exactly that, offering more money than anyone to bring in whoever they want.
The New York Mets are on a rampage in free agency. Their fanbase can thank Steven Matz for leaving them at the altar.