NEW YORK — Expectations are decrease for the Mets getting into this season. However proprietor Steve Cohen nonetheless has a selected achievement in thoughts.
“I believe the aim is to make the playoffs. Fairly easy. Let’s not overthink this,” Cohen stated Friday. “If we do not make the playoffs, clearly I might be upset.”
Sporting a Mets cap and jacket, Cohen held a information convention at Citi Discipline a few hours earlier than the Mets performed their opener towards the Milwaukee Brewers, pushed again a day due to rain.
New York is coming off an costly flop in 2023, when the workforce started the 12 months with World Collection aspirations following a 101-win season and a playoff look the 12 months earlier than.
Regardless of the best payroll in baseball historical past, about $355 million on Opening Day, the Mets completed fourth within the Nationwide League East at 75-87. After the season, they paid a file luxurious tax of practically $101 million.
The workforce traded star pitchers Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander and a number of other different veterans for minor league prospects forward of the deadline in early August, with the Mets saying they have been pointing towards 2025 whereas nonetheless seeking to compete in 2024.
“I do not view it as a reset,” Cohen stated Friday. “I’d name it we’re transitioning and but nonetheless being extremely aggressive. And I believe that is a tough factor to do. You already know, based mostly on what I see on the roster, I believe we have achieved that.”
Underneath new president of baseball operations David Stearns, the Mets bulked up their bullpen this offseason and improved the protection with lower-profile strikes. They made a splash late in spring coaching, signing veteran slugger J.D. Martinez to a one-year, $12 million contract.
Cohen acknowledged first baseman Pete Alonso was longing for extra safety within the lineup heading into his last season earlier than changing into eligible at no cost company.
“We knew there have been some constraints given contracts that we’re paying for that clearly run off on the finish of this 12 months or possibly on the finish of subsequent 12 months. So there have been some cash constraints, proper?” Cohen stated. “I imply, sooner or later everybody’s received a funds. However usually I am actually happy at what we have created. … I believe we have constructed a membership that is going to be there in September.”
On his fourth Opening Day as Mets proprietor, Cohen stated he stays fairly widespread with followers when he sees them across the ballpark.
“They’re nonetheless fairly supportive. I am ready for that to expire. We have got to win sooner or later,” he stated. “Pay attention, I believe the aim is to make the playoffs and be there 12 months in and 12 months out, and I believe we will over time accomplish that. I believe what we’re constructing right here is one thing that is sustainable.”