Steve Cohen opens up about Mets' World Series drought, controversial offseason moves

Shortly after Steve Cohen assumed ownership of the New York Mets in the fall of 2020, he made it known that he would consider it "slightly disappointing" if the Mets didn't win a World Series "in the next three to five years." 

The Mets failed to reach that goal in somewhat spectacular fashion, as they have yet to qualify for a Fall Classic under Cohen's watch. While the Amazins fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 2024 National League Championship Series, the Mets later endured a brutal collapse last summer en route to missing the playoffs. 

While speaking with reporters on Monday, Cohen addressed the franchise's championship drought that began after the Mets won the 1986 World Series.

Steve Cohen "annoyed" over Mets' inability to get to where he wants to go

"I'm annoyed," Cohen acknowledged, per Laura Albanese of Newsday. "I'm absolutely annoyed. Every year that goes by, I get frustrated. I'm really committed to this team, and I know how much the fans care. I know we're celebrating the 40th anniversary of 1986, and that's just too long. There are a lot of great teams out there. No matter what you do, it doesn't mean you're necessarily going to win the World Series, but I just want to put myself in postion every year in the playoffs where we have a chance with a really good team."

Rumors about the Mets allegedly dealing with clubhouse issues have hovered over the franchise throughout Cohen's tenure as owner. Most recently, it was said this past fall that shortstop Francisco Lindor and outfielder Juan Soto had a "chilly" relationship after Soto inked a 15-year, $765M contract to join the Mets in December 2024. Additionally, Lindor and outfielder Brandon Nimmo reportedly had problems due to differences in their political ideologies. 

Steve Cohen reflects on Mets' offseason changes 

Back in January, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns admitted he could understand why fans were frustrated after he moved on from Nimmo, star closer Edwin Diaz, beloved first baseman Pete Alonso and utility man Jeff McNeil following the 2025 season. On Monday, Cohen touched upon Stearns taking a sledgehammer to what had been the Mets' core. 

"I felt what the fans felt," Cohen explained. "The worst part was these players left, and yet we hadn't figured out who was going to fill those positions. I described it as, I was feeling anxiety. Like, how are we going to get there? But David kept cautioning me, telling me to stay patient. It's a long offseason. The offseason doesn't end in December…We stayed patient and disciplined, and I feel really good about what we accomplished." 

Specifically, the Mets added third baseman Bo Bichette, second baseman Marcus Semien, first baseman Jorge Polanco, center fielder Luis Robert Jr., ace right-hander Freddy Peralta and relief pitchers Devin Williams and Luke Weaver. Via his actions, Stearns made it clear he felt the Mets needed more than a roster refresh following Soto's first season with the organization.