Six years ago, Steve Cohen boldly declared he’d be ‘slightly’ disappointed if the New York Mets didn’t win a World Series within five years of his ownership. Fast forward to today, and that ‘slightly’ disappointed feeling has morphed into something far more intense: annoyance. As Cohen enters his sixth season at the helm, the Mets have yet to hoist the Commissioner’s Trophy, and the pressure is mounting.
During a recent visit to Clover Park in Port St. Lucie, Cohen’s usual jovial demeanor with reporters couldn’t mask his frustration. ‘I’m absolutely annoyed,’ he admitted. ‘Every year that goes by without a championship, it stings. I’m deeply committed to this team, and I know how much the fans are yearning for success. Celebrating the 40th anniversary of the 1986 World Series win only highlights how long it’s been since we’ve tasted glory.’
But here’s where it gets controversial: Cohen’s initial vision of creating a sustainable winner has, so far, fallen short. Instead of consistency, the Mets have been a study in inconsistency. Since 2020, they’ve only made the playoffs twice—in 2022 and 2024. And this is the part most people miss: despite a payroll that’s consistently topped $300 million (projected at $364 million for 2026, according to FanGraphs), the Mets have struggled to translate financial investment into postseason success.
Cohen’s frustration boiled over after the 2025 season, leading to a dramatic roster overhaul. Fan favorites like Pete Alonso, Edwin Díaz, Brandon Nimmo, and Jeff McNeil were traded, making way for a new wave of talent: Bo Bichette, Freddy Peralta, Jorge Polanco, Devin Williams, Marcus Semien, and Luis Robert Jr. ‘Saying goodbye is always tough,’ Cohen reflected, ‘but welcoming new players is exciting.’
Yet, the question remains: will this reshuffling finally yield the results Cohen and Mets fans crave? Cohen is optimistic, citing the team’s improved contact hitting and the winning pedigree of the new players. He even praised the energy in manager Carlos Mendoza’s team meeting. But as he wisely noted, ‘You can write it down on paper, but they still have to play.’
And this is where the real debate begins: Can Cohen’s hands-on approach coexist with the autonomy of his baseball operations team, led by President David Stearns? Cohen insists he’s not meddling in player selection, but his active involvement raises questions about the balance of power. ‘I’m here to support,’ he said, ‘but ultimately, it’s about the players we select and how they perform.’
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles Dodgers continue to set the standard for sustained success, having won back-to-back World Series titles. When asked about the Dodgers in 2020, Cohen acknowledged their model, but in 2026, he’s aiming to dethrone them. ‘They’re formidable,’ he admitted, ‘but I think we’ve built a great team too. Our goal is to meet them in the playoffs and prove ourselves.’
The challenge for Cohen isn’t just winning—it’s making winning a habit. When he took over, the Mets’ player development system was in disarray. While it’s improved significantly, combining prospects with expensive veterans hasn’t yet produced the desired sustainability. ‘We need to put ourselves in a position to contend year after year,’ Cohen said. ‘We’ve been inconsistent, and we need to do better.’
So, here’s the burning question for Mets fans and baseball enthusiasts alike: Can Steve Cohen’s massive investment and bold moves finally break the postseason curse, or is the path to sustained success more elusive than he imagined? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—do you think the Mets are on the right track, or is there a fundamental issue holding them back?
