Getty Image
The New York Mets and owner Steve Cohen are not messing around this offseason. The deep-pocketed hedge fund owner and lifelong Mets fan is trying to bring another World Series to Queens.
Yes, the team lost stud pitcher Jacob DeGrom to the Texas Rangers this off-season. And, that’s a big loss, because DeGrEom has an argument to be the best pitcher of the modern era.
But, Cohen and General Manager Billy Eppler rebounded nicely. They signed AL Cy Young winner and future first-ballot Hall of Famer Justin Verlander to a massive deal. Then, they added Japanese superstar pitcher Kodai Senga, and re-signed star outfielder Brandon Nimmo. Smaller signings like Jose Quintana helped bolster a roster that already won 101 games last year.
One of their big targets, superstar shortstop Carlos Correa, appeared to come off the board last week when the star shortstop agreed to a deal with the San Francisco Giants.
But, that deal fell apart on Tuesday when Correa failed his physical.
JUST IN: Without explanation, the San Francisco Giants postponed the press conference to introduce new shortstop Carlos Correa.
The Chronicle was told that the team and Correa are awaiting test results. https://t.co/o5KM8jtQCT
— San Francisco Chronicle (@sfchronicle) December 20, 2022
Not to worry. Steve Cohen and the Mets to the rescue.
The New York Mets have agreed to a contract with Carlos Correa
In the early-morning hours on Wednesday, the Mets shocked the baseball world.
Rise and shine!
Carlos Correa, Mets reportedly agree to 12-year deal, per @MLBNetwork Insider @JonHeyman. pic.twitter.com/oPB28VahZG
— MLB (@MLB) December 21, 2022
My goodness. The Mets now have an entire infield made of all-stars. Correa will play third, Francisco Lindor will play short, batting-title winner Jeff McNeil will play 2nd and Pete Alonso will man first base.
Correa’s .836 career OPS from the right side will provide balance in the Mets lineup that needed some pop.
Fans are thrilled
New York fans woke up to some incredible news.
All Met fans not knowing as they sleep that the #Mets signed Carlos Correa at 2:45am. Then they wake up and all Mets fans like:
— Casey (@CaseyJ_516) December 21, 2022
FLUSHING BUILT TO WIN !!!!!!!
AYYYYYYYYYY😊😊😊😊😊#LGM #mets— Aim Doll (@doll_aim) December 21, 2022
Regular people: “Mr. Cohen, your payroll is an unprecedented $355 million.”
Mr. Cohen: “hold my beer a sec.”#Mets
— Michael Baron (@michaelgbaron) December 21, 2022
It’s a strong bet to make that Cohen isn’t done, either.