Mets Fans Are FINALLY Starting A New Year With True Promise

by Tim Reilly January 01, 2021

So, this is what a real fresh start feels like?

Wishing everybody the happiest new year . LGM
— Steven Cohen (@StevenACohen2) January 1, 2021

“New year, new me” is as cliché as it gets. You’ll probably roll your eyes at that caption no less than a dozen times today on social media. Just like those who hit the gym on Jan. 1 and are nowhere to be found come Feb. 1, Mets fans are used to the feeling of a fresh start that never lasts.

This year is different. Steve Cohen waved a wad of cash at the sky and the dark clouds above Citi Field were blown away. This is, sincerely, a fresh start for the New York Mets and the fans.

No more offseason mirages and a false sense of hope when Spring Training rolls around. For the first time in my 33-year-old life (born three months *after* the ’86 World Series), I feel good about the future of this franchise. I can’t believe I’m saying that. I still feel like I’m Charlie Brown and Lucy is going to pull the football out from me at the last second to fall on my face.

But it is real. Change is here.

I’m not here to proclaim the Mets are going to win the 2021 World Series and kick off a dynasty. What I’m saying is we’ve already seen a complete overhaul in how the franchise is spoken of, and how the franchise is embracing fans. Steve Cohen is one of the richest people in the world and yet he’s spending hours scrolling through Twitter to find out what fans are saying, what we want, what we’re craving, check our pulse on hot topics and yes, even have a little fun at our expense from time to time.

The good news I think I lost 2 lbs
— Steven Cohen (@StevenACohen2) December 8, 2020

Alex Cohen, aka the first lady, has gotten into the fold as well. We’ve already gotten a sense of her desire to get involved with the community and enhance the Mets outreach programs through charitable efforts. On top of that, her father is reminiscent of a lot of our fathers and grandfathers who grew up loving this team. It’s a family affair.

From our Mets family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving! #FamilyIsEverything @StevenACohen2 @sophiarosecohen @bnieuw pic.twitter.com/5lAKPKIcdt
— Alex Cohen (@alexmomof5) November 26, 2020

Mets fans are family. The Cohens already feel like part of that family. I’ve always said Citi Field is our summer home and now it belongs to our rich Uncle Stevie who has an open door policy from April through October.

"You want to match your owner's excitement."

Here's Trevor May on his "immediate" connection with new Mets boss Steve Cohen, and how that drew him to New York: pic.twitter.com/8rZgyQ9vdk
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) December 3, 2020

Players are calling their agents as they take notice of what’s being said at press conferences held by Cohen, Sandy and Jared Porter. The usual cast of critics has been silenced (for now) in the media. Weirdly, you even get the sense most of them are relieved to see this change in their tone. Probably tired of writing negative column after negative column. Even Scott Boras has been complimentary. I would too if I were trying to get some of that Cohen cash for my clients…

Scott Boras on Steve Cohen owning the Mets: "It’s nice to have an ownership with big apples."
— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) December 15, 2020

We’re not a punch line anymore.

You don’t like what people are saying? Change the conversation. Cohen did that on his first week at the job by joking that maybe we’ll present Bobby Bonilla with a giant check each year and parade him around the field. Genius. Now we’re all in on the joke together from another life.

Not much going out there due to the holidays . Conversations hopefully pick up this week
— Steven Cohen (@StevenACohen2) December 27, 2020

The plan isn’t to “spend like drunken sailors,” as Cohen put it. The plan is to build something sustainable and acquire players to fill holes that exist. Not piece-meal a roster together with Quadruple-A talent like we’ve grown accustomed to in years past. Yes, we all want to see the Mets cherry-picking top free agents, too. Those will come. I’m sure of it.

Hopefully, soon.

FWIW I'm hearing that #Mets may be signing a free agent "in a day or two."

I have no idea who, but person who told me 1) would know 2) had a smile on their face.

I am hoping it's Springer, but person wouldn't say.
— Mark Healey (@MarkCHealey) December 31, 2020

The light at the end of the tunnel is no more. We’ve reached the light. It’s here shining bright on Citi Field now that those dark clouds have parted.

Get ready, Mets fans. A fresh start is here. The one we’ve been dreaming about is now our reality.

“Fresh start” should be the name of the first piece of art Cohen has commissioned for Citi Field.

P.S.: Uncle Stevie, if you’re reading this, I can make myself available to attend your Opening Day gala whenever that occurs.