Welcome back to Baltimore, Buck Showalter. If only it were under better circumstances.
The former Orioles manager, forever adored in Birdland for turning a moribund franchise into a winner, is sure to receive a glowing reception from O’s fans in his long-awaited return. But Showalter — and almost everyone in baseball — probably expected he’d be bringing a contending, powerhouse club with him, not (gestures at Mets) whatever this is.
The 2023 Mets have been the most expensive disappointment in baseball history. Owner Steve Cohen shelled out nearly $500 million in free agent contracts this past offseason, including a deal with reigning AL Cy Young winner Justin Verlander to reunite him with his former Tigers co-ace, Max Scherzer, who himself received a two-year, $86 million contract a year earlier.