Mets Owner Steve Cohen Expects Playoffs in Retooling Season
The clock is ticking on Spring Training for the New York Mets. A week from Thursday, the season will begin anew at Citi Field when the Mets host the Milwaukee…
FLUSHING, NY – JUNE 28: New York Mets owner, Steve Cohen speaks during a press conference prior to the Major League Baseball game between the Milwaukee Brewers and New York Mets on June 29, 2023, at Citi Field in Flushing, NY.
(Photo by Gregory Fisher/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)The clock is ticking on Spring Training for the New York Mets. A week from Thursday, the season will begin anew at Citi Field when the Mets host the Milwaukee Brewers in the season opener. All signs are pointing to a rough rebuild of a season for the Amazins. But that hasn't stopped owner Steve Cohen from being the ultimate optimist.
While speaking with reporters on Monday, Cohen said that he hopes to see the club make the playoffs this season.
"I am looking forward to great baseball. I think this team is going is going to really excite people," Cohen said. "Fans talk about they love prospects. Guess what? They are going to see them. Give them a chance."
On Possibly Adding J.D. Martinez?
Cohen stressed early in his news conference that it is also getting late to add outside players to the roster. That could put the ka-bash on rumors that circulated over the weekend that the Mets could pursue free agent J.D. Martinez to be the team's designated hitter. Martinez, 36, hit 33 home runs last season, and is still a free agent. The Mets, and Los Angeles Angels are rumored to be in on his services.
"If I am wrong I got to double my efforts. It's tough to predict the future. You got to assess what you have. I tend to be optimistic. I have good reason to be optimistic. The talent we are creating, we are making players better. The best teams do that, and now we are doing that," Cohen continued.
PETE ALONSO:
Cohen once again addressed the 3,000 lb. gorilla in the room: Pete Alonso's contract. The free agent to have not had further discussions with the Mets, and Cohen seemed to indicate that the Mets are willing to wait until the off-season to work out a deal, citing they struck deals with Edwin Diaz and Brandon Nimmo in the past when they went free agent.
All About the Farm:
Since taking over as owner, Cohen has spoken fluently about improving the Mets farm system for the long haul. He's pleased with the results thus far.
PITCHING:
Cohen did praise the Mets starting pitching and bullpen this spring. So far this spring, the Mets as a team own a 3.09 ERA, and have struck out 216 batters in 189.1 innings pitched. Luis Severino has impressed, pitching to a 1.00 ERA in three starts. Tylor MeGill has also impressed.
Edwin Diaz has looked great in two outings out of the bullpen, his first outings back since tearing his ACL last season.
HITTING:
The Mets offense is a conundrum. They don't know who the DH will be. Will it be Mark Vientos? He owns four homers this spring, but is hitting an even .200. Brett Baty hasn't distinguished himself either at third. As a team, the Amazins are hitting only .233 this Spring.
