When Steve Cohen took the reins of the New York Mets in 2020, he set a course for success that was as ambitious as it was exhilarating. Cohen’s vision was clear: A World Series title within three to five years was the measure of success—a target that remains on the horizon.
Yet, the waves of change Cohen has initiated cannot be ignored, even if that ultimate goal hasn’t yet been achieved. The shift from the Wilpons’ era of cautious spending to a period where the Mets’ faithful can genuinely dream big is undeniable.
The latest buzz around the Mets is their interest in prying Juan Soto from the grip of their crosstown rivals, the Yankees. With a payroll flexibility many teams envy—estimated at $163 million by FanGraphs—the Mets are in a prime position to make some bold moves this offseason.
Cohen, with a staggering net worth of $21.3 billion, has the financial muscle to entice any player, and Soto might be the crown jewel worth breaking the bank for. At 26, Soto has already shown he can shine in New York, delivering 41 home runs, 109 RBIs, and a .288 batting average last season, becoming a standout for the Yankees.
Adding a star like Soto to the roster could be a game-changer, not just for the team’s prospects on the field, but in redefining the Mets’ status in MLB. Francisco Lindor’s decade-long $341 million deal stands as testament to Cohen’s willingness to commit to excellence—and it’s been a fruitful investment, with Lindor becoming an NL MVP finalist in 2024. Soto could very well be the next chapter in this success story.
However, the Mets’ strategy isn’t solely anchored on Soto’s decision. While landing him would be a significant stride towards Cohen’s World Series ambition, there’s an alternative road map if the Soto acquisition doesn’t materialize. This involves doubling down on their homegrown talent like Pete Alonso and addressing pivotal gaps in their starting rotation, especially after departures from players like Sean Manaea and Luis Severino.
Corbin Burnes, Roki Sasaki, Blake Snell, and Jack Flaherty are among the high-profile names floating in the free-agent market, offering potential solutions to these gaps. Cohen, alongside the strategic acumen of the front office led by David Stearns, is committed to making smart, strategic moves, learning from past missteps with high-priced veterans like Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander.
There are enticing possibilities on the infield as well, with players like Alex Bregman and Willy Adames emerging as prospective additions. Patience remains a virtue in this game.
Cohen understands that free agency post-2025 could present new opportunities with stars like Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Kyle Tucker, Luis Arraez, and Bo Bichette hitting the market. Or, the Mets might leverage their prospect treasure trove for impactful trades, eyed at powerhouses like the White Sox’s Garrett Crochet.
Over the four years at the helm, Cohen has discovered that hefty contracts don’t guarantee instant success. His journey began with a splash, acquiring Scherzer and later Verlander, reinforcing a formidable roster that chalked up 101 wins in 2022 but stumbled in the first round of the playoffs. The 2023 season was a tougher pill to swallow, yielding only 75 wins despite significant financial investments.
In 2024, strategic adjustments spearheaded by Stearns paid dividends, leading to a National League Championship Series appearance. Now, with newfound financial freedom, the Mets, led by Cohen, are poised at an exciting juncture, armed with resources and lessons learned, ready to aim for excellence through whatever path they chart—either with Soto leading the charge or through other tactical moves. The dreams of a World Series title live on, buoyed by the foundation Cohen has meticulously built.
