Mets owner Steve Cohen remains composed about the team’s slow start to the season.
“While no one likes to kick off the season at 0-4, it’s early days,” Cohen remarked during an appearance on Squawk Box on CNBC. “In the course of a season, you’re bound to face losing streaks. We just happened to experience one at the outset.”
Last season, every MLB team endured at least one four-game losing streak, indicating that the Mets’ early struggles are not uncommon.
Moreover, the Mets’ lineup could soon receive a boost, with the potential debut of J.D. Martinez as early as Sunday, following his late signing as a free agent.
The Mets’ recent signing of Martinez addressed a significant gap in the designated hitter spot. Cohen touched on the decision-making process surrounding player acquisitions, emphasizing that he defers to the expertise of his baseball executives.
“I’m not the one making the calls,” Cohen clarified. “It’s my baseball personnel who are driving those decisions. My role is to support their choices when needed. Whenever they propose a move, I’ve always been receptive. While we engage in discussions, the ideas originate from them, not from me.”
Cohen further outlined his philosophy on team-building, asserting that success cannot simply be bought with money.
“Money alone doesn’t guarantee victory,” Cohen emphasized. “The challenge lies in building a team through free agency, where you’re contending with the aging curve. Players are acquired based on their past performance, but as they age, their on-field output typically declines. It’s a difficult situation to navigate.”
He highlighted the importance of talent development, drawing parallels to his approach in managing his hedge fund.
The Mets’ approach in free agency during the recent offseason aligns with their strategy of signing players to short-term contracts.
In the case of Martinez, who will reach 37 during the season, the Mets’ decision to offer him a one-year deal helps mitigate the risk associated with potential decline in performance.
Under Cohen’s leadership, the Mets prioritize talent development as a cornerstone of their long-term success. This was evident in their offseason stance of retaining their most prized prospects from a burgeoning farm system.
While the Mets emphasize internal growth, they remain open to impactful moves in free agency that align with their vision. Looking ahead, potential targets such as Juan Soto and Corbin Burnes highlight their willingness to make significant splashes in the market.
Cohen emphasizes a willingness to invest in the team, regarding his ownership as a philanthropic endeavor aimed at bringing joy to millions of fans.
“I view it as a civic responsibility,” Cohen expressed. “I bought the team with the intention of making a positive impact. Success, to me, encompasses more than just playoff appearances and World Series victories. It also involves cultivating a robust farm system that consistently produces talent over the years.”
