Why Are Mets Fans Staying Home? Steve Cohen Wants Answers
Steve Cohen, owner of the New York Mets, expressed his disappointment over declining attendance numbers despite the team's strong performance. With a sky-high payroll and grand ambitions, Cohen is looking for answers as to why Citi Field isn't packed.
New York Mets owner Steve Cohen is frustrated. Despite heavily investing in the team and building a roster that looks like a contender, Citi Field was far from packed last season. The Mets finished 18th in Major League Baseball attendance, a stat that clearly bothered Cohen, especially considering his team's position in the middle of a pennant race.
"I didn’t like it. That really bothered me," Cohen admitted. "18th in attendance when we were right in the middle of a pennant race? I mean, I’m hopeful this year things turn around."
For a team that plays in a major market with a loyal fanbase, these attendance numbers are concerning. Especially when you look at their cross-town rivals, the Yankees, who routinely draw over 40,000 fans even when playing against weaker opponents. So, what’s the deal with Mets fans?
Where Are the Fans?
A trip to the ballpark is undeniably expensive. Between ticket prices, parking, and food, a family outing can easily exceed $400. But high costs haven’t kept Yankees fans away, nor have they stopped Knicks and Rangers supporters from filling Madison Square Garden, despite steep ticket prices. So, why are Mets fans staying home?
Some suggest the lack of a transcendent superstar is part of the issue. While the Yankees boast Aaron Judge, the Mets didn’t have a marquee name last season that could draw in fans. But that’s changing this year. With the acquisition of Juan Soto, Cohen hopes to ignite a spark in Citi Field, believing that adding an electrifying player like Soto will boost attendance and re-energize the fanbase.
Big Payroll, Big Losses
Another factor weighing on the Mets is their eye-popping payroll. Unlike the Yankees, who profit from a stake in the YES Network, Cohen is self-funding the Mets. Without a lucrative broadcast revenue stream, every dollar spent on players cuts directly into his personal fortune.
“I’d like to get below the Cohen tax,” Cohen remarked, referencing the luxury tax that has been named after him due to his heavy spending. But even with this goal, the Mets’ signing of Pete Alonso pushed them back over the threshold, resulting in a 110% tax rate as a repeat offender.
Could Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Be the Answer?
Looking ahead, rumors are swirling about the Mets' potential pursuit of Blue Jays star Vladimir Guerrero Jr. With his contract talks stalling in Toronto, speculation is heating up. The 27-year-old slugger would be a massive addition to the team, but the financial implications could be just as huge. Some reports suggest Guerrero could demand a $400 million deal.
When asked about Guerrero, Cohen was noncommittal: “He’s a great ballplayer, but I’ll worry about that next year. With payroll considerations, you can’t have too many long-term contracts.” However, ESPN’s Jeff Passan believes that if Cohen is serious about landing Guerrero, the Mets have the resources to make it happen. “If the Mets really, really want Vladimir Guerrero Jr., they will get him. He’s a superstar, and the Mets have the resources.”
A World Series or Bust?
Cohen’s frustration stems from his five-year goal to bring a World Series title to Queens. “We’ve got to make the playoffs. That’s the minimum,” Cohen said. The Mets have a strong lineup, but questions still surround their starting pitching and bullpen depth.
With World Series aspirations hanging in the balance and financial challenges mounting, this could be a make-or-break season for Cohen and the Mets. One thing is clear — Cohen’s patience with declining attendance will likely wear thin if it doesn’t turn around soon.
So, Mets fans — will Citi Field finally be packed this season? Only time will tell, but Steve Cohen is hoping the addition of a superstar and a contending team will fill the seats and restore the Mets' place among New York's elite sports teams.