Steve Cohen entered the 2025 season with bold ambition. He signed Juan Soto to a record‑breaking $765 million deal, expecting the superstar slugger to transform the Mets into perennial contenders. Soto delivered individually—43 home runs, 38 steals, and a .921 OPS—but the team collapsed after June, finishing 83‑79 and missing the postseason.
New York media wasted no time turning on Cohen. The New York Post and Daily News highlighted the frustration of fans who watched the Mets squander a four‑game September lead in the Wild Card race. Instead of celebrating October baseball, the Mets endured one of the most humiliating collapses in franchise history.
Fan Favorites Exit, Patience Runs Thin
The offseason only deepened the crisis. Pete Alonso, the team’s all‑time home run leader, signed a five‑year, $155 million deal with the Orioles, while closer Edwin Díaz joined the Dodgers on a three‑year pact. Brandon Nimmo was traded to Texas for Marcus Semien. These moves gutted the clubhouse and left fans questioning Cohen’s strategy.
WFAN’s Evan Roberts warned Cohen of dwindling attendance, noting that fans “showed up when he spent money” but now feel betrayed. Fansided bluntly declared that Mets supporters have “officially turned on Cohen”.
Phillies and Braves Raise the Bar
The Mets’ collapse looks even worse when compared to their NL East rivals. The Phillies remain the division’s powerhouse, riding Bryce Harper and a deep rotation. Atlanta, meanwhile, continues to reload with young talent and is expected to improve in 2026.
New York’s margin for error shrinks. The Mets cannot afford another wasted season, especially with Soto in his prime and Cohen’s reputation on the line.
Who Can the Mets Add?
CBS Sports and MLB.com point to several potential targets. The Mets need pitching depth after Díaz’s departure, making relievers like Josh Hader or Jordan Romano logical fits. Offensively, Cody Bellinger and Kyle Tucker headline free agents who could stabilize the lineup.
David Stearns, the Mets’ president of baseball operations, admitted the team “underachieved greatly” and must rebuild smarter. Adding a veteran starter, a reliable closer, and another power bat could restore balance.
How Can the Mets Get Better?
The path forward requires more than spending. The Mets must rebuild their culture, invest in player development, and avoid short‑term fixes. Cohen’s willingness to spend remains unmatched, but money alone cannot buy chemistry.
To contend in 2026, the Mets must:
- Replace Alonso’s power with a proven slugger.
- Reinforce the bullpen with elite arms.
- Develop young talent to complement Soto.
- Stabilize leadership under Stearns and manager Carlos Mendoza.
The Phillies and Braves set the standard. If Cohen wants his investment in Soto to pay off, he must deliver a roster that competes with those juggernauts. Otherwise, the Mets risk another wasted year—and more headlines questioning whether Steve Cohen’s empire is built on hype rather than results.
