New York Mets: Steve Cohen needs to completely clean house

It has been exactly zero days since the New York Mets found a way to embarrass themselves. The team had continued to be a circus throughout Steve Cohen’s first year as owner, but they have found a way to ratchet up the insanity over the past week. Several players found a way to boo the fans, leading to forced apologies. Then, on Wednesday, news broke that general manager Zack Scott was arrested for a DWI after being found asleep in his car at 4:00 AM.

At some point, Cohen has to wonder what he bought into. He had a very clear plan to change the Mets’ culture, to make the team into a perennially winning franchise. Instead, the Mets have continued to Mets, finding new ways to embarrass themselves.

Steve Cohen has to clean house with New York Mets

And change the Mets’ culture is what Cohen needs to do. After the past week, it is abundantly clear that he needs to clean house, rebuilding the front office and bringing in a new coaching staff. This also includes team president Sandy Alderson, as his stewardship has left gaps in the team’s ability to vet players and members of the front office.

It would not be a surprise to see that same level of housecleaning go towards the roster as well. While Francisco Lindor, one of the players who booed the fans, is not going anywhere, Kevin Pillar and Javier Baez have likely made certain that they will not return after this year. Chances are, they will not be the only players to depart the franchise as the Mets look to reinvent themselves.

It is certainly a disappointing outcome for the 2021 season. The Mets had a great deal of promise, backing up Cohen’s ascertations that they would contend for a championship. They acquired Lindor in the biggest trade of the offseason and pursued the top free agents. In the end, this season is ending up the same as all the others – in abject disappointment.

Changes clearly need to happen. And change needs to come from the top down. Cohen, as he is cleaning house, needs to take a hard look at himself and the practices that the Mets have in place. He needs a strong presence to lead the front office, and in turn, a strong presence on the bench to keep the team from descending into chaos. It is time to change everything.

Steve Cohen needs to clean house with the New York Mets. Otherwise, no matter how much he talks about changing the culture, it will remain the same.