Controversial Star Pitcher Has Eye On Signing With New York Mets

The New York Mets could land a potential star pitcher this offseason, but it might be the most unlikely signing yet.

After the COVID-shortened 2020 season, the New York Mets thought they were going to land one of the best pitchers in the game during free agency.

National League Cy Young winner, Trevor Bauer, hit the open market after posting an ERA of 1.73 and an insane ERA+ of 284 across his 11 starts.

Mets fans were certain he was signing with their team after his own website promoted a signed hat by Bauer.

However, he ultimately agreed to a three-year, $102 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

In 2021, Bauer had an 8-5 record and a 2.59 ERA during his first 17 starts with the Dodgers and was leading Major League Baseball in innings pitched (107 2/3) and strikeouts (137) before he was placed on administrative leave while he was investigated over sexual assault allegations.

The star pitcher was eventually handed a 324-game suspension for violating MLB's Joint Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Child Abuse Policy for sexual misconduct allegations, before it was reduced to 194 games.

After being released in January 2023, Bauer went to Japan and pitched for the Yokohama DeNA BayStars where he posted a 10-4 record and 2.76 ERA across 130 2/3 innings pitched.

Bauer continuously denied the allegations that were levied against him and the legal dispute was settled.

The former Cy Young winner is now eyeing a return to Major League Baseball with him seriously considering New York as his destination.

"I was happy to come play for the Mets last time I was a free agent. Obviously, I was very close to having made that decision ... The Mets have a great thing going on ... Playing in New York would be awesome. The fan bases here are crazy. I'd be more than open to it," he told Fox News Digital in an interview.

It's unclear if the Mets would be interested in one of their former targets considering all of the allegations that have been thrown his way and the long layoff he's had since throwing his last pitch in the MLB during the 2021 season.

They once had concerns about his usage of social media when they were looking to sign him in free agency the first time.

Bauer still thinks he has a lot to bring and wants to be a positive influence within the community and clubhouse, while also thinking he's still one of the best pitchers in the world.

New York is not viewing themselves as competitors for the upcoming season and might not see this signing as the best for their organization.

But, the controversial pitcher has made it clear he's interested in the Mets and it presents another option for them if they do want to pursue this move.