The New York Mets have seen themselves near the top of the league in terms of payroll year after year, yet they have just two postseason appearances in the last nine seasons to show for it. After another winter that saw heavy spending, the Mets are again looking for a year that ends in postseason baseball.
Owner Steven Cohen bought the Mets at the end of 2020 for a deal valued at approximately at $2.4 billion. Since then, he’s continued to invest even more in the franchise, truly establishing the Mets as one of the most dangerous threats to land the league’s biggest stars.
Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, and the newly-signed Bo Bichette are just some of the examples of the star power that’s been brought to Queens under Cohen. Spending $250 million this offseason in hopes of erasing the memory of last season’s collapse, the Mets are looking to be in a much better place.
Still, Cohen’s willingness to spend doesn’t take away from the disappointment that’s played out on the field. Even Cohen himself is frustrated at the lack of success in New York despite his hefty investments.
“We haven’t won. I really want to win,” Cohen told reporters at Mets’ camp. “Each year that goes by, I get more annoyed.”
Mets owner Steve Cohen: "We haven't won. I really want to win. Each year that goes by, I get a little more annoyed." pic.twitter.com/7ceBjdhlFF
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) February 16, 2026
It’s not just Cohen who is becoming annoyed with the Mets’ lack of success. They’ve had just one season of at least 90 wins since Cohen took over, and they were bounced in the Wild Card round that same year in 2022. They came within two games of the World Series in 2024, but last season completely failed to build off of that success.
There needed to be a huge offseason in New York, especially with two key players, first baseman Pete Alonso and closer Edwin Diaz, walking in free agency. Cohen, his pockets, and his determination to win were able to provide just that, landing multiple of the league’s biggest stars.
Cohen has shown his willingness to do what he can to put a winning roster on the diamond at Citi Field, and he’s hoping 2026 can be one that results in a ton of wins and a deep postseason run.
He hasn't shied away from the fact that he is one of baseball’s biggest threats to spend, telling reporters that the spending ways of the Los Angeles Dodgers are “formidable” and he can spend just as the reigning back-to-back World Champions do.
Mets fans certainly love to hear that their owner is willing to spend whatever it takes, and the optimism heading into this year’s spring training is deservedly high. There’s been a ton of shakeup, but the Mets could very well be on track to become a true contender in the National League. Let’s hope they don’t forget to thank Cohen and his deep pockets at the end of the day.