Steve Cohen Foregoes Team Captaincy, Eyes New Mets Vibe

PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. — New York Mets owner Steve Cohen has declared he will not appoint a team captain as long as he owns the franchise, emphasizing a desire for the clubhouse dynamic to evolve organically. This decision comes as the Mets begin spring training with a revamped roster following a busy offseason.

No Captaincy for the Mets

“As long as I’m owning the team, there will never be a team captain,” Cohen stated during his first meeting with reporters at spring training on Monday. He explained his belief that the locker room is a unique environment best left to self-governance. “My view is the locker room is unique. And let the locker room sort it out, year in, year out.”

Cohen’s stance contrasts with teams like the New York Yankees, who historically designated Derek Jeter as “the captain” throughout his 20-year career. However, Cohen indicated his approach is not influenced by the Yankees’ tradition. He as well suggested this policy could simplify potential leadership decisions between stars Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto.

Roster Overhaul and Offseason Moves

The Mets have undergone significant changes since the conclusion of the 2024 season, where they lost in six games to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS. The team parted ways with popular players Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz, along with other long-tenured Mets, before Christmas. In response, the Mets added free agent Bo Bichette and acquired All-Star pitcher Freddy Peralta via trade.

Despite the departures, Cohen expressed optimism about the team’s new energy. “I just was in that locker room and in the meeting and I sense an energy that really is exciting,” he said. “These are new faces, fresh faces that I believe our fans are really going to enjoy watching play. It’s different. And I think we’ll play a different type of baseball, and I think that’s great.”

Frustration with Lack of Championships

Cohen acknowledged his frustration with the team’s lack of a World Series title since 1986, especially as the franchise celebrates the 40th anniversary of that championship. “About not winning? Yeah, I’m annoyed,” Cohen said. “I’m absolutely annoyed. Every year that goes by, I obtain frustrated. I’m really committed to this team. I know how much the fans care. I know we’re celebrating the 40th anniversary of 1986, and that’s just too long.”

Navigating a Potential Salary Cap

Cohen also addressed the possibility of a salary cap in Major League Baseball, a key issue in upcoming collective bargaining negotiations. He stated he is open to considering a cap, prioritizing the league’s overall interests. “Obviously, I’m listening to all the arguments,” Cohen said. “But I’ve always been a league-first owner. So I’m listening to all the sides and I haven’t made up my mind yet. We’ll see where it goes. Sometimes I put the league’s interests above my own interests.”

Continued Investment in the Franchise

The Mets are continuing to invest in their infrastructure, with plans to break ground on a 55,000-square-foot player development complex at their spring training home in Port St. Lucie. The facility will include locker space, training rooms, therapy pools, and a dining facility.

Despite missing out on signing four-time All-Star Kyle Tucker, who signed with the Dodgers, Cohen remained competitive in pursuing top free agents. “I’m competitive,” Cohen said. “When you’re actually making a bid and you decide you want that player, you don’t want to lose, like anything else. And then you get over it, and then you move on. It’s sort of like in my business. I have a bad trading day, all right, I move on to the next day, and then the next day’s better.”