Yesterday may have been a travel day for many teams around the league, but that doesn’t mean it was short of headlines. There were big business moves made Monday afternoon, as well as a slew of must-see defensive plays (and blunders you can’t look away from!). Let’s take you through the best things you missed from Monday!
Steve Cohen Buys the Mets
Sterling Partners sign agreement with Steve Cohen. #Mets pic.twitter.com/ogzUcLFkeQ
— New York Mets (@Mets) September 14, 2020
After months of speculation, it appears to be official: Billionaire hedge fund manager Steve Cohen will be the next owner of the New York Mets. The two sides formally announced they had reached an agreement Monday afternoon, concluding a bidding process that also included bids from famed actor Jennifer Lopez as well as her husband, ex-player and current ESPN analyst Alex Rodriguez.
Mets announce agreement to sell club to Steve Cohen. According to Sportico, Cohen will own 95 percent of the team, with the Katz and Wilpon families retaining the other 5 percent. Next up for Cohen: Gaining the necessary approval from 23 of 30 owners.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) September 14, 2020
The sale is still contingent on securing over the necessary 75% approval from the existing ownership groups. If successful, the sale would make Steve Cohen the wealthiest individual majority owner in the league, worth an estimated $14.6 billion.
BREAKING: The Wilpon family has signed an agreement to sell the Mets to billionaire Steve Cohen. The sale is now subject to MLB approval.
“I am excited to have reached an agreement with the Wilpon and Katz families to purchase the New York Mets,” Cohen said in a statement.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) September 14, 2020
Kyle Lewis is Superman
https://gfycat.com/graythatamoeba
Kyle Lewis had a pretty awesome day yesterday, and seemingly did it all over the course of Monday’s twin bill against the Athletics. After hitting a two-run home run in the opening game, Lewis made an amazing play in the top of the first inning to bail the Mariners out of an early jam in the nightcap. He goes full Superman here, and gets a full extension to steal away a potential grand slam from Ramón Laureano.
Of course, when a young outfielder makes a tremendous play like that in Seattle, there are always going to be comparisons to The Kid.
Ken Griffey Jr. x Kyle Lewis
(inspiration: @JefferiesSam4) pic.twitter.com/AHZ5BzKNFy
— Danny Vietti (@DannyVietti) September 15, 2020
Junior also had some praise of his own for the rookie.
The Kid approves. 🐐 pic.twitter.com/RebtQpr1Ks
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) September 15, 2020
In addition to his home run, Kyle Lewis also hit a double on the day, as well as walked with the bases loaded to break up a tie late in the first game. With the emergence of Lewis, as well as Julio Rodríguez, Jarred Kelenic, and Taylor Trammell on the horizon, the future of Seattle’s outfield looks very bright.
And… Markakis Gives A Boost
On the other end of the fielding spectrum last night was Nick Markakis, who made the unfortunate error of clanking a warning track fly ball and allowing it to bounce off his glove and over the fence.
when you finally talk to your crush then find out they like someone else😔 pic.twitter.com/FIylB9XccH
— Cut4 (@Cut4) September 15, 2020
As a result, Pat Valaika got a free trip around the bases, and Baltimore continued to pile onto the Braves, eventually winning the game by a lopsided 14-1 margin. As a fielder, that will keep you up at night.
That’s all for Monday! The season is quickly winding up, and this week promises a whole new slate of chaos and action. Have a fantastic Tuesday.