During an over 20-minute press conference on Wednesday, Mets owner Steve Cohen had a lot to say about how the season has gone, the status of Buck Showalter and Billy Eppler, how he plans on approaching the trade deadline, and more.

Showalter and Eppler’s Status

Among the biggest news from the press conference was direct confirmation from Cohen that both Buck Showalter and Billy Eppler will remain in their jobs for the remainder of the season.

Cohen indicted that, while he understands the fan’s frustrations, he wants to continue attracting “good people” to the organization, and did not want to drive people away by making impulsive decisions.

However, Cohen noted that he does not plan on standing pat if the team ends up in fourth place at the end of the season.

Search for President of Baseball Ops

Cohen also reiterated that the team was still looking to hire both a President/CEO and a President of Baseball Ops, which he indicated would rank above Eppler when that person or persons were hired. That answer is certain to continue to fuel speculation about Cohen and the Mets’ interest after the season in David Stearns.

Among the other interesting topics mentioned, Cohen flatly stated that he would not be adding at the trade deadline unless the team improved its position.

 

Steve Cohen. Gregory Fisher-USA TODAY Sports

Trade Deadline Approach

In terms of if Cohen would consider selling at the trade deadline, he said that he views money on contracts for players as already spent, so he is willing to pay more in a deal if the team was getting a solid return, which is similar to what the Mets did when they traded Eduardo Escobar. o the Angels.

In terms of whether or not he would consider trading Max Scherzer or Justin Verlander, Cohen indicated he had not yet had that conversation.

Thoughts on the Season

Cohen expressed his frustration and bewilderment at how the season has gone thus far, with the Mets currently sitting at 36-43, saying he never expected to be in this position.

Internal Improvements

Cohen said he believed the team is making internal improvements behind the scenes many of which fans are not privy to. However, the Mets’ owner did express disappointment that the team had not been better at developing pitchers, which has caused him to spend big on players like Scherzer and Verlander in free agency. Cohen also said that the long-term goal is to build up the farm system, and that he does not see spending as he has thus far to be a sustainable option long-term.

Remaining Hopeful

While Cohen was obviously frustrated and disappointed, he reiterated multiple times that he’s not yet giving up on the season. When asked what message he had for the players, Cohen said “I believe in these guys” but that ultimately, whether or not the team turns things around will fall onto the players.

 

Entering Wednesday, the Mets sit 8.5 games back of the Dodgers for the final NL Wild Card spot and 16.5 games back of the Braves in the NL East. After beating the Brewers on Tuesday night, they will be looking to pick up back-to-back wins for the first time since June 14 and 16.

Cohen indicated that although he believed they were capable, time was running out for the team to turn things around. The owner made it clear that major organizational changes are not coming, and suggested that the team appears unlikely to make big additions at the deadline. Ultimately, if the Mets want to get back into the mix this season, it appears it will fall on the players and coaches currently on the roster to do so.