Cohen Talks Citi Field Changes, Farm System

Mets owner Steve Cohen sat down with long-time radio broadcaster Howie Rose for the Mets’d Up podcast leading into an important 2023 season for the franchise. They talked about everything from what Cohen hopes to do with the 50 acres of asphalt outside of Citi Field to his expectations for the future of the team.

Queens Future

Steve Cohen created a group called Queens Future that is giving folks a chance to express what they believe should be done with the 50 acres of asphalt outside of Citi Field. The group has hosted two sessions at Citi Field so far and expects to hold more in the near future.

“It’s really important for me to reach out to the community to and try to listen to some of the things they would like to see. We have an amazing waterfront right there and we want to connect that waterfront to Flushing Meadow Park through where our stadium is. There are all sorts of interesting ideas like a high-speed ferry instead of driving and community-type facilities that will enhance being in the area,” Cohen said.

Cohen didn’t mention a casino during the interview, though that has been a hot topic over the last year or so and certainly will be in 2023.

“We are thinking about an entertainment complex. I’ve been listening to the fans and they’ve been telling me there’s nothing to do before and after the game. I kind of disagree with that, you can get your muffler changed and you can get your tires fixed,” Cohen said.

“I always say I’ll take a good idea from anybody…We are going to use the parking lot and then build garages,” Cohen said.

Improvements Within the Stadium

There have been pictures floating around over the last couple of months of the Mets making updates inside of Citi Field with the scoreboard and right field being the public focus.

“All I know is when I’m looking at the scoreboard from my box I’m squinting and I don’t think you will have to squint to see this. The graphics are going to be amazing and it’s got the newest technology. We’re excited, I think it’s going to add a lot to the game and fan experience. It’s just an example of the stuff we’re thinking about and doing that the fans will see some changes when they get to the ballpark. Changes in different sections of the ballpark and changes in different lounges. That’s part of my commitment to continually improve the fan experience at the park,” Cohen said.

“We’re improving seating around the stadium. In right field we are building a whole new section and the fences are coming in 8 feet to accommodate…There’s new loge seating where suites used to be. We are planning out additional places where people can hang out to have a drink with their buddies,” Cohen said.

Investing in Technology and Staff

As we talked about recently with Mets Triple-A hitting coach Collin Hetzler on MMO Weekly, the Mets under Cohen have spent money on technology and staffing to help ensure the team is winning now and in the future.

“I inherited a farm system that was hollowed out and I’ve been investing in the farm system. I’ve been investing in technologies, investing in personnel, and trying to drive the farm system to where it needs to go,” Cohen said.

That hasn’t stopped at the major league with Cohen bringing the Mets from one of the smallest analytics departments in baseball to one of the biggest in a short period.

“I’m investing in all parts of the organization…The whole point is to take players that are already good and talented, and find ways to improve them.”

Bobby Bonilla Day at Citi Field?

The baseball world likes to make fun of the Mets organization every July 1st (despite deferred payments being wildly used by all of MLB), but the Mets owner is looking to embrace the deferred contract the franchise has with former player Bobby Bonilla.

“I’m still thinking about Bobby Bonilla Day if I can get him to do it. I’m telling you it would be fun. We’d love to have him. If he can’t do it this year, I’ll be on him next year…I think Bobby is considering it. I’ve had good conversations with him.”