Steve Cohen Defends Mets Amid Fan Backlash Over Star Players’ Departures
NEW YORK, N.Y. — The New York Mets are facing growing unrest among their fan base after a significant roster shakeup this offseason saw the departures of beloved All-Stars Edwin Diaz and Pete Alonso. Mets owner Steve Cohen, who acquired the team in 2020 and is known as the wealthiest owner in Major League Baseball, pushed back sharply against critics who have questioned the team’s payroll and personnel decisions.
Following the Mets’ failure to reach the postseason last year, the franchise began a rapid overhaul that included trading longtime outfielder Brandon Nimmo for Marcus Semien and losing Diaz and Alonso to free agency. In response, Cohen took to X (formerly Twitter) on December 19 to address the growing chorus of disapproval. He referred to the critics as the “usual idiots” misinterpreting reports about the Mets’ payroll, emphasizing that the team’s spending was not actually declining.
“I can’t imagine our payroll to be lower than last year. It’s always hard to predict but that would be my best guess,” Cohen wrote. He further explained that payroll calculations often overlook factors such as waiver claims, player promotions from the minors, and trade deadline acquisitions, all of which can increase a team’s total payroll.
Cohen’s comments come amid widespread frustration from fans who saw two of the team’s most popular players leave without the Mets making competitive offers. Edwin Diaz, the team’s closer, and Pete Alonso, the franchise’s all-time home run leader, both signed elsewhere, with Alonso joining the Baltimore Orioles. The Orioles’ announcement of Alonso’s signing on December 12 was met with enthusiasm, highlighting the contrast with the Mets’ offseason moves.
Despite the departures, the Mets have sought to bolster their bullpen by signing former New York Yankees relievers Devin Williams and Luke Weaver. They also signed Jorge Polanco, who is expected to serve as a designated hitter but may see time at first base, a position he has not played at the major league level. However, questions remain about the Mets’ starting rotation and outfield depth, especially as notable free agents like Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger remain available.
Cohen’s willingness to invest heavily in the team was evident last year when the Mets secured star outfielder Juan Soto with a record-setting contract reportedly exceeding $765 million. Yet, the current roster changes have left many fans questioning the direction of the franchise.
As the Mets prepare for the 2026 season, the team’s strategy and Cohen’s management approach will be closely scrutinized by fans and analysts alike. The owner’s recent remarks underscore the tension between financial strategy and fan expectations in the high-stakes world of professional baseball.
For more on Major League Baseball payroll and team transactions, the MLB official site provides comprehensive updates. The Baseball Reference website offers detailed player statistics and historical data. Fans interested in the financial side can review reports from the Sports Business Journal, while the City of New York’s official site provides information on Citi Field, the Mets’ home stadium.
As the offseason progresses, the Mets’ moves will continue to attract attention, with Cohen’s outspoken defense signaling that the team’s plans are far from settled.
Leave a Reply