Some MLB owners are said to be complaining behind the scenes about Mets owner Steve Cohen’s high spending, which has reached unprecedented levels. No one has publicly said a word of discouragement, but several people said there was deep concern and, in some cases, dismay.
The owners, unhappy that Cohen is stretching his payroll nearly $100 million past the second-largest spending team, are concerned he’s tipping the scales too far and in some cases not being able to keep up — first for players and later for games. Those close to the situation say other owners were okay with Cohen bringing back Edwin Diaz and Brandon Nimmo, and even bringing in Hall of Fame-bonded Justin Verlander Justin Verlander as he replaces Jacob deGrom. But some owners see Carlos Correa’s deal as “overkill”.
It seems to be something of an unwritten rule not to push a paycheck that far ahead of everyone else. According to Cot’s Contracts, the Mets payroll is $384.6 million to $288.9 million for the Yankees, 33 percent higher than the next-highest team.
To be fair, Cohen didn’t set that market as deGrom and shortstops Trea Turner and Xander Bogaerts got big deals before Cohen’s Mets really got going. And the Mets’ actual contracts appear to be in line with, or better than, many (even Correa was $35 million less than the Giants’ now-cancelled deal).
Steve Cohen’s massive free-agency swagger has other MLB owners concerned. USA TODAY Sports
In Cohen’s defense, he’s pretty much doing what he promised. He believes it’s fulfilling his promise to Mets fans, who in many cases have long suffered (the Mets sold a staggering $1 million in single-game tickets in one day). He also brings excitement to the game by assembling such a star-studded team that will also draw fans to opposing parks. It’s hard to see now, but on the whole his generosity could actually help the game.
Not every owner is upset. A senior executive stressed, “He’s playing by the rules. It’s his money. He can do whatever he wants with it.”