Steve Cohen dazzles New York Mets fans with an inspiring introductory press conference.
The newest era of New York Mets baseball began with an introductory press conference by new owner Steve Cohen yesterday. Cohen, alongside team president Sandy Alderson, met with reporters for 90 minutes via Zoom. By the time the press conference wrapped up, Mets fans were beside themselves, in the best way possible.
In one of the simpler accomplishments, Cohen provided the media and fans with a concrete goal and timeline for the organization. This is something that previous owners, the Wilpons, often failed to provide.
“If I don’t win a World Series in the next three to five years… I would like to make it sooner…. then obviously I would consider that slightly disappointing,” said Cohen. “I’m not in this to be mediocre. I want something great.”
Not only did Cohen impress Mets fans with these World Series aspirations, but he also promised to run the team differently than past ownership has.
Of course, the Mets have been plagued in recent years as synonymous with mediocrity. The second-rate team in the Big Apple. For a team run in one of the largest cities in the world, New York, this has been agonizing.
“What I do believe is this is a major-market team and it should have a budget commensurate with that,” the new owner declared.
Cohen is worth approximately $14 billion and ensures the franchise an ability to operate much like its closest neighbors, the New York Yankees. A big-market team, that’s willing to spend to bring the best on-field product possible.
Alderson’s comments paired perfectly with this new direction for the franchise.
“The Mets have become a very attractive landing place,” Alderson said. “Suddenly, overnight, I think people are interested in working for the Mets… I think the players are interested in the Mets for reasons they might not have been before.”
Only time will tell if the new ownership lives up to its own expectations, vision, and goals. This upcoming offseason, the first under new management, will be an immediate sign of what’s to come. Of course, there are a number of star free agents available including J.T. Realmuto, George Springer, and Trevor Bauer.
In the first immediate sign of positive changes, the Mets were successful in having Marcus Stroman accept the club’s $18.9 million qualifying offer. Prior to accepting, it was unclear if Stroman intended to stay. However, Stroman hinted that Cohen’s press conference may have been a deciding factor.