Steve Cohen's frustration with the Mets' recent performance is palpable, and his desire for a championship is stronger than ever. Six years ago, he boldly declared that the Mets would win the World Series within five years, but that timeline has now passed, and the team has yet to even make it to the playoffs.
"I'm annoyed, absolutely annoyed," Cohen stated, reflecting on the team's recent struggles. "Every year, the frustration grows. I'm deeply committed to this team, and I understand the passion of our fans. Celebrating the 40th anniversary of 1986 is a reminder that it's been too long since we brought a title home."
In response, Cohen has overseen a complete overhaul of the team, trusting the vision of David Stearns and expressing excitement about the uniquely constructed roster. However, he has learned from past experiences and is now more cautious with his predictions.
"When I say I'm annoyed, it's about striving to achieve my goals," Cohen explained. "I'm patient, but I know winning isn't easy. The Dodgers are a formidable opponent, with the ability to spend big. But so do I."
Indeed, the Mets' projected payroll for 2026 is an impressive $364 million, second only to the Dodgers' $394 million. This significant investment brings with it high expectations, and Cohen is determined not to miss the playoffs again.
"The goal is to meet the Dodgers head-on in the playoffs," Cohen said, confident in the team's ability to compete. However, he acknowledged the anxiety felt by both himself and the fans when key players departed without immediate replacements.
"I felt the fans' anxiety. It was a challenging time, but David [Stearns] kept me patient and disciplined. We stayed the course, and I'm proud of what we've achieved."
Cohen also addressed the looming threat of a 2027 lockout, stating that it didn't influence their business decisions. As the richest man in baseball, he is taking a 'league-first' approach, listening to all sides on contentious issues like the potential salary cap.
"My focus is on 2026. I'm pleased with our farm system development and the makeup of our veteran leaders. There's a different energy this year, and I'm optimistic."
Carlos Mendoza, echoing Cohen's sentiments, believes the team has a strong leadership group and is confident they can come together as a unit.
"We're concentrating on what we can control," Cohen added. "I trust David [Stearns] and our baseball operations team to make the right decisions. The players we select and their performance will determine our success."
As for predictions, Cohen is done making bold statements. "You never know what a season will bring. In '24, we started slow but turned it around. In '25, we were in first place, then struggled. It's a year-to-year game, dependent on injuries and other factors."
One bright spot is Christian Scott, who is making a strong comeback from Tommy John surgery. He impressed in live batting practice, reaching 95 mph with his fastball and working on a cutter and changeup. Scott believes he'll be ready for Opening Day, a welcome addition to the team.
"The fastball had great life, and the cutter and changeup are coming along nicely," Scott said. "It's exciting to compete and get some outs."
Laura Albanese, the Mets beat writer for Newsday, has been covering MLB since 2014 and provides insightful coverage of the team's journey.
