New York Radio Host Slams Mets Owner Steve Cohen Over Departure of Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz
NEW YORK, NY — The New York Mets are facing a wave of criticism after the recent departures of two of their most popular players, Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz, who left the team in free agency on consecutive days. Alonso, a homegrown star and franchise icon, reportedly signed with the Baltimore Orioles, while Diaz is set to join the Los Angeles Dodgers, the reigning back-to-back champions.
The departures have sparked outrage among Mets fans and commentators, with longtime New York radio host Joe Beningo unleashing a scathing critique of Mets owner Steve Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns. Beningo, calling into his former station WFAN, accused the ownership and front office of failing to retain key talent despite Cohen’s reputation as the wealthiest owner in Major League Baseball and a lifelong Mets enthusiast.
“The owner sold us a bill of goods,” Beningo said, expressing frustration over unmet expectations. “We all thought, we were all sucked in, ‘Uncle Stevie’s big money, it’s never going to be the same like it was with the Wilpons,’ and he spent money. [Justin] Verlander, [Max] Scherzer, he went on and got [Juan] Soto. But where is this guy? He’s supposed to be like Mr. Met, I gotta see him courtside at the Garden at the playoff games with the Met hat on. What kind of Met fan are you? You telling me you’re a Met fan, Cohen?”
Beningo did not spare Stearns either, labeling him a “fraud as far as a Met fan” and questioning his loyalty. The host drew parallels between Alonso’s exit and past painful moments in Mets history, such as the trade of Tom Seaver and Darryl Strawberry’s signing with the Dodgers. He suggested that even the previous owners, the Wilpons, notorious for their frugality, might have recognized Alonso’s importance and signed him to a long-term deal, citing their commitment to David Wright as an example.
Alonso’s departure marks a significant shift for the Mets, who have built much of their recent identity around the slugger. His power-hitting and charismatic presence have made him a fan favorite since his debut. Diaz, a dominant closer, also played a crucial role in the team’s bullpen strength.
Steve Cohen took control of the Mets five years ago with promises of a new era of investment and competitiveness. His tenure has included high-profile signings such as pitchers Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer, and outfielder Juan Soto, signaling a willingness to spend to build a contender. However, the loss of homegrown stars Alonso and Diaz has raised questions about the team’s strategy and commitment to nurturing talent from within.
The Mets’ situation reflects broader challenges in Major League Baseball, where free agency and salary cap considerations often force difficult decisions for teams balancing competitiveness and financial sustainability. Fans and analysts will be watching closely to see how the Mets respond.
For more information on Major League Baseball operations and team management, visit the official MLB website. Coverage of team ownership and financial dealings can be found through the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which oversees public disclosures relevant to sports franchises. Insights into fan engagement and sports media are available at the Federal Communications Commission. For historical context on Mets ownership and franchise history, the National Baseball Hall of Fame and Museum provides extensive archives and resources.
As the Mets enter this new chapter without two of their marquee players, the scrutiny on Cohen and Stearns will only intensify, with fans eager to see whether the team can regain its footing and return to championship contention.
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