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.
Steve Cohen on if Billy Eppler and Buck Showalter will remain in their jobs for the rest of the season:
"Absolutely."
— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) June 28, 2023
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.
— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) June 28, 2023
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.
Steve Cohen on if the Mets end up in fourth place:
“Fourth place is not the goal. Anytime you end up in fourth place, to sit and do nothing is not a great place to be. I don’t know what the answers are… we’ll figure out what went wrong and how to fix it.”
— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) June 28, 2023
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 on if the team's current play does not get better by the deadline:
“If I’m in this position [at the deadline], I’m not adding.”
— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) June 28, 2023
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.
"It’s been incredibly frustrating. I watch every game. I see what's going on. If you asked me if I expected us to be in this position at the beginning of the season, I would have said no. But here we are, and hopefully we can right the ship." – Steve Cohen pic.twitter.com/bi6JFT1CIh
— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) June 28, 2023
Steve Cohen on the Mets play up until today.
"When we pitch, we don’t hit well. When we hit, we don’t pitch well. It’s kind of weird, it’s strange to me. I don’t know if the players are anxious. We see a lot of mental errors."
— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) June 28, 2023
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.
Steve Cohen on internal improvements:
"We’re making massive improvements that the fans do not see in the people we’re hiring, the approaches, the people in our farm system. I just had a presentation today with the stuff we’re doing with technology in the farm system. We are…
— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) June 28, 2023
“Free agency is really expensive. If you want to field a good team from free agency, that’s what it costs. Sometimes you get it right, and sometimes things go wrong. It’s a tough place to field a team. The goal here is to build a farm system, because ultimately that gives you…
— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) June 28, 2023
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.
Steve Cohen on his message to the players:
“I believe in these guys. I was talking to Jeff McNeil today. I called him up to see how he’s doing, I know he’s frustrated. He feels like he’s close… you can make a case that things are about to turn, but who knows? It’s really hard…
— Metsmerized Online (@Metsmerized) June 28, 2023
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.