Trevor Bauer has discovered success as a major league pitcher.

So much, in fact, he’ll probably win the 2020 National League Cy Young Award in a few weeks, usurping Mets right-hander Jacob deGrom after his exceptional two-year reign as the league’s (universe’s) best hurler.

But throwing silly money at a career 3.90 ERA pitcher — regardless of his outstanding 11-start run with Cincinnati this season — feels like a substantial gamble and the exact opposite direction of where this organization should be heading.

A new owner in Steve Cohen, a revamped analytically-minded front office, and an overwhelmingly solid offense provides the Mets with a solid foundation.

Yes, there are holes to plug, but this team isn’t far off from contention.

The starting rotation needs reinforcements, that’s no secret. An elite pitcher to slot in behind deGrom while Noah Syndergaard recovers from Tommy John surgery should be considered a priority.

Naturally, the best pitcher in the NL last season who’s entering free agency just as the Mets receive an influx of cash is going to draw attention.

But now that Bauer’s reportedly open to discussing multi-year deals (his agent, Rachel Luba, Twitter) as opposed to the one-year contracts he said he would be signing for the rest of his career (RedLeg Nation, transcribed from YouTube, April 2020), the dynamic of his allure has changed.

Since 2017, the Southern California product has pitched to a respectable 3.46 ERA, good for 22nd in baseball over that span. That will do in a non-ace role, especially if he continues on his current trajectory.

Though, the pristine 2.21 ERA he put up in his breakout 2018 campaign being sandwiched by a 4.19 ERA season in 2017 and a 4.48 mark in 2019 doesn’t exactly scream, “GIVE THIS GUY A QUARTER BILLION DOLLARS!”, regardless of his 2020 output.

According to SNY, Bauer could be looking at a $240+ million payday, akin to what Washington handed Stephen Strasburg last winter. That seems outrageous for the overall body of work Bauer has brought to the table.

And yes, Bauer has clearly discovered something that’s elevated his game to another level.

But at the end of the day, he’s entering free agency after a very good, 1.73 ERA stretch over 11 starts. That’s not enough to justify such a wild investment.

Zack Wheeler, who signed with the Phillies for $118 million over five years last winter, was practically driven out of town by Mets general manager Brodie Van Wagenen, who mockingly wished Wheeler well with his “parlayed two good half-seasons into $118 million” quote last February.

Now folks are ready to mint Bauer for only one good half-season? It’s kind of baffling, to be honest.

Is he a very good pitcher? Sure, we’ll concede that. Would he be a solid addition to just about any MLB staff? Of course.

But is he a proven star, capable of consistent success? No, he’s not. And that’s not opinion. His career line says as much.

Oh, and he’s got this nasty habit of making trouble on social media. Google it. Form your own opinion on that front.

As for what the Mets might do with regards to Trevor Bauer, it’s anyone’s guess.

But if we know anything about Steve Cohen, he does his homework before making a move — billionaires aren’t dummies, in most cases — and handing Bauer a multi-year deal just doesn’t feel like a smart investment.