Trevor Bauer came very close to joining the New York Mets three years ago.
The Mets, who just signed him to a three-year deal worth more than $100 million, had long been near the top of the list of 2020 National League Cy Young Award winners.
Bauer even posted a YouTube video that offseason discussing what intrigued him about the Mets.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Trevor Bauer came very close to joining the New York Mets three years ago. (Caitlin Mulcahy/Getty Images)
“The last time I was a free agent, I was happy to play for the Mets. Obviously, I was very close to making that decision,” Bauer said in an exclusive interview on Fox News Digital this week.
Then something strange happened.
Bauer's own website erroneously advertised a Mets hat signed by Bauer, leading fans to suspect that Bauer would sign with New York, but Bauer had already agreed to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers. .
This fiasco led him to consider breaking his contract with the Dodgers altogether to play for the Mets in order to appease the Blue and Orange fan base.
“I'm not going to go into any further depth about that,” he told Fox News Digital.
However, Bauer received a 324-game suspension (reduced to 194 games) and a one-year stint in Japan for violating MLB's Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, and Child Abuse Joint Code due to allegations of sexual misconduct. After playing, he became a free agent again. It looks like the Mets could once again be nearing the top of his desired destination.
Bauer said he would be “happy” to play in Queens the next time “Uncle Stevie” called.
Trevor Bauer's website mistakenly advertised a Mets hat signed by Bauer, leading fans to suspect Bauer would sign with New York, but he had already agreed to sign with the Los Angeles Dodgers. (Harry Howe/Getty Images)
Trevor Bauer says he has grown from past 'mistakes' and hopes for a 'second chance' in MLB
“Great things are happening with the Mets,” Bauer said. “Of course, the players I played with, I really respect them.” [former Cleveland teammate] Francisco Lindor is one of the best players, both as a leader and as a player. ”
“It would be great to play in New York. The fan base here is crazy. I would welcome it.”
Bauer and his agent Rachel Luba are looking for an opponent, but no one has appeared yet.
So while Bauer has his eyes set on Queen's, he also seems to be eyeing every opportunity in the major leagues.
And he has a pretty decent sales pitch.
“I believe I'm one of the best pitchers in the world,” Bauer said. “I have a lot to contribute to the team on and off the field. I have a great passion for helping other players around me. I want to make an impact” on the organization and on the players. ”
Yokohama DeNA BayStars pitcher Trevor Bauer pitches during a game against the Hiroshima Carp on May 3, 2023 in Yokohama. (via Kyodo News AP)
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
“I'm going to perform on the field. I'm in great shape, better than I've ever been in my career. I have no doubt that I'll perform well on the field. But I “I want to have a positive impact in the clubhouse. I want to have a positive impact in the community and I'm going to do that. I'm committed to playing better in the second half of my career than I was in the first half, and I'm committed to playing better in the game. “I have a lot to offer, both from a skill standpoint, from a technical standpoint on the field, and from a fan engagement standpoint. We're going to do it. And I'm just looking for an opportunity to do that.”
The Mets are on track to win 101 games in 2022, compared to just 75 wins last year. Bauer struck out 130 batters in 130.2 innings in the Japanese professional league, posting a 2.76 ERA.
New York recently signed longtime Yankees veteran Luis Severino and acquired Adrian Hauser from the Milwaukee Brewers.
Follow Fox News Digital X sports broadcast and subscribe Fox News Sports Huddle Newsletter.
