Orioles-Mets series preview: Meet the (expensive, underachieving) Mets

Welcome back, Buck. Sorry about your team.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…