Has Steve Cohen Lived Up to His Promise? A February 2025 Look at the Mets

As the Mets gear up for the 2025 season, the organization is undoubtedly in a much stronger place than it was just a few years ago. Steve Cohen’s purchase of the team in 2020 came with bold promises—a commitment to putting a winner on the field, building a culture of success, and revitalizing the Mets’ roster for both the short and long-term. Now, as the Mets prepare for spring training, the question remains: has Cohen delivered on those promises?

Looking at the current roster and the Mets' success in 2024, it seems that Cohen has at least begun to fulfill many of his lofty ambitions. After making it to the NLCS in 2024, the Mets are well-positioned for continued success in 2025, especially with the jaw-dropping signing of Juan Soto to a 15-year, $765 million contract. Let’s break down whether Cohen has lived up to the expectations he set during his introductory press conference.

A Vision for Winning

When Steve Cohen first introduced himself as the new owner of the Mets, he outlined a vision focused on building a team capable of sustained success at the highest level. “I want to make the Mets a champion again,” Cohen declared during his 2020 press conference. “That’s my goal. I want to do it the right way. I want to build something that lasts.” His commitment to this vision became clear almost immediately, starting with the bold move to sign Francisco Lindor to a 10-year extension in 2021. Cohen has not only shown he’s willing to secure the biggest stars on the market, but he’s also remained loyal to homegrown talent, ensuring cornerstone players like Brandon Nimmo, Jeff McNeil, and, most recently, Pete Alonso remain at the heart of the Mets’ future—even through the grueling negotiation process.

Fast forward to 2024, and the Mets are a team on the rise. Their deep postseason run to the NLCS is evidence that Cohen’s vision is already taking shape. The Mets, under his ownership, have shifted away from the mediocrity that had plagued the franchise for years. But it’s not just about spending money—it’s about crafting a sustainable winner.

The biggest splash, of course, came in the winter of 2024 when the Mets signed Juan Soto to an unprecedented deal. Soto’s arrival was exactly the type of transformative move Cohen promised when he first took control. “We are going to build a team that can consistently compete for championships, and that includes getting the right players to help us win,” Cohen said in that same press conference. By securing one of baseball’s brightest stars, Cohen has ensured that the Mets' roster is now built for sustained contention.

Creating a Winning Culture

One of Cohen’s less discussed, but no less significant, promises was to foster a positive team culture—one where players would thrive both on the field and in their personal lives. “The family aspect of this organization is important to me,” Cohen explained in 2020. “We want players to feel like they are part of something bigger than themselves, and that includes how we treat their families.”

As we head into 2025, it’s clear that Cohen has followed through on this promise. Mets players have been vocal about the front office’s commitment to creating a family-friendly environment, with multiple players commenting on how the Mets have treated their families with respect and care. This has paid off, not just in terms of player well-being but in the form of an increasingly tight-knit roster. The chemistry in the clubhouse has never been better, with several players attributing that harmony to the front office’s efforts to make them feel valued off the field.

The culture shift is evident in how players have responded to the organization. Free agents are more inclined to sign with the Mets, and current players are eager to stay long-term. This sense of unity has led to a more motivated group, which is crucial when the pressure mounts in the postseason.

A Commitment to Long-Term Success

Cohen’s words in his introductory press conference weren’t limited to just building a competitive team for the here and now. “I don’t want to just win once; I want this to be a consistent winner year after year,” he declared in 2020. “It’s about creating a culture that lasts.”

The Mets' focus on sustainability is evident in their investment in both major league talent and their farm system. With the Soto signing, they’ve brought in a player who can help carry the team for the next decade and beyond, but they’ve also put a significant focus on developing young talent through their farm system. The improved scouting and player development infrastructure are clear indications that Cohen is thinking long-term, ensuring that the Mets can stay competitive even as their core players age.

The addition of top prospects to the mix and a continued focus on building from within has the Mets primed for years of contention, especially if their younger players—combined with veterans like Soto—can maintain their success. “We want to build something that lasts, not just a team that gets to the postseason once,” Cohen said, and it’s evident that this long-term vision is already starting to bear fruit.

Final Thoughts

Has Steve Cohen lived up to his promises? As the Mets enter spring training for the 2025 season, it’s clear that Cohen is well on his way to delivering on the vision he articulated in 2020. From the historic signing of Juan Soto to the cultivation of a positive, family-oriented team culture, Cohen’s efforts have already had a profound impact on the franchise. The Mets are no longer just a team that hopes to compete—they are a team built to win and stay competitive for years to come.

As Cohen himself said during that fateful press conference, “This is just the beginning.” For Mets fans, it’s an exciting statement—and one that seems to hold true as the franchise continues to rise.