Title: Mets Owner Steve Cohen Sets Ambitious Goals for the Upcoming Season
In a recent interview, Steve Cohen, the owner of the New York Mets, expressed his desire to avoid any potential embarrassments during the upcoming baseball season. Despite acknowledging the challenges ahead, Cohen remains optimistic about the team’s competitiveness in 2024, placing a strong focus on future prospects.
One of the most significant decisions made by the Mets organization was to trade their star pitchers, Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer. Cohen explained that the decision was primarily influenced by low postseason probabilities and a desire for long-term sustainability. Additionally, Cohen emphasized the solid returns received in these trades and the advantage gained by capitalizing on the short-term thinking exhibited by other clubs.
Cohen’s discussion with Scherzer revealed a difference in visions for immediate success. While the Mets were looking to make big moves at the trading deadline due to lack of consistency on the field and a shortened timeframe, Scherzer had his own aspirations. This disparity ultimately led to the mutual agreement to part ways.
Although Cohen did not address specific personnel decisions, he expressed hope for working things out with Pete Alonso, a key player for the Mets. Cohen firmly believes in Alonso’s potential and is determined to find a resolution that benefits both parties.
Defending his newly appointed manager, Buck Showalter, Cohen placed the blame for the team’s shortcomings on the players rather than the coaching staff. Cohen acknowledged that Showalter’s guidance could only go so far, and ultimately, the players needed to step up their performance on the field.
In an effort to reshape the team, the Mets traded six players while agreeing to pay substantial amounts to the acquiring teams. This move not only allowed the Mets to revamp their roster but also lowered their payroll and luxury tax obligations for the current year.
With Cohen at the helm, the Mets are determined to turn the ship around and make significant strides towards success. While the upcoming season presents its fair share of challenges, Cohen’s commitment to long-term sustainability and competitive aspirations for the future suggest that exciting changes are on the horizon for this illustrious franchise.