During his introductory press conference, Mets owner Steve Cohen proclaimed he wanted to win a World Series in three to five years. The 2024 season will mark the fourth year of Cohen’s ownership. Despite spending record-breaking money, the Mets have missed the postseason in two of those years. They also have yet to even make it to the World Series. This season doesn’t look very promising for the New York Mets. So far, Steve Cohen’s ownership has been a failure.
Steve Cohen Gave the Fans False Hope
Steve Cohen is setting the bar high for the Mets https://t.co/jiZTGFEk7U pic.twitter.com/gy6gj2G9OK
— SNY (@SNYtv) November 10, 2020
In 2020, the Wilpon family sold the New York Mets to local hedge fund manager Steve Cohen. Mets fans rejoiced as it marked the end of an era that was full of more embarrassment than winning. During his introductory press conference, Cohen made the bold proclamation of winning a World Series in three to five years. As the seasons have gone on, it has looked more like an empty promise. The story of the New York Mets franchise after all is false hope.
The First Three Seasons of Cohen’s Ownership Have Been a Failure
Embed from Getty ImagesSince buying the team, Steve Cohen has spent nearly $500 million on free agents. Despite the massively increased payrolls, New York has missed the postseason two times in the past three years. In 2022, New York blew their NL East division lead despite being in first place for most of the season. They would then be eliminated in the Wild Card round in four games by the San Diego Padres. Last season at the trade deadline, the team had a fire sale. They traded away Justin Verlander, Max Scherzer, Mark Canha, Tommy Pham, David Robertson, and Dominic Leone. Additionally, Cohen is still responsible for most of the salaries for Scherzer and Verlander. This is a far cry from the championship aspirations Cohen had for the club.
There Has Been No Organizational Stability
In just four seasons, including interims, Cohen has gone through five baseball operations heads and three managers. It should be noted that up to this point, no manager under Cohen has lasted longer than two seasons. While the team targeted Craig Counsell, one of the reasons he passed on the job was that past managers hadn’t landed another managerial gig after departing. This almost mirrors how the Mets were for most of the Wilpon’s time owning the team.
The Mets Are Still An Embarrassing Team
Embed from Getty ImagesDespite the Wilpons no longer being majority owners, the Mets still find ways to embarrass themselves. Early in Cohen’s ownership, then GM Jared Porter was involved in a texting scandal with a female reporter that led to him being fired. Later that same offseason, interim GM Zack Scott was also fired stemming from a DWI charge. During the 2021 season, there was the “thumbs down” scandal when players were essentially booing back at the fans.
Before last season, the Mets initially signed Carlos Correa just for the deal to collapse due to a failed physical. Cohen had even commented on the deal before it was complete, something that MLB had asked him not to do. This past season, there was a poorly handled rain delay which caused the postponement of a game against the Miami Marlins. The Marlins were in the middle of a tight wild-card race. Cohen would later have to apologize. This offseason, GM Billy Eppler resigned due to an investigation regarding improper use of the injured list. Eppler would eventually be suspended for the season by Rob Manfred. There is more embarrassment to go around this organization in just four years of Cohen’s ownership.
The 2024 Season Is Nothing to Be Excited About
Embed from Getty ImagesThe upcoming season doesn’t look very promising for the New York Mets. The team made no major additions to their roster. It’ll be a miracle if this team somehow grabs the final wild-card spot. Outside of Kodai Senga, this team has a very questionable starting rotation. The only things worth watching are Pete Alonso‘s home runs and Edwin Diaz’s return from his ACL injury. Even Alonso’s days in New York could be numbered as he’s set to hit free agency after the season. Steve Cohen and the Mets front office have communicated that there is a plan but it’s not very well defined.
New Owner, Nothing Changes With the New York Mets
Embed from Getty ImagesIn the first three seasons of the Steve Cohen era, it’s almost as if the Wilpon’s are still in charge. Cohen promised a championship in three to five years, the only thing the Mets have finished on top of is payroll. The Mets have had more embarrassing moments under Cohen than postseason appearances. Mets fans shouldn’t be excited about the upcoming season. Despite Cohen giving the fans hope and optimism, nothing has changed with the New York Mets.
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