New York Mets owner Steve Cohen stated that the team's president of baseball operations, David Stearns, took "too much risk" in his roster decisions, contributing to the club's disappointing performance this season. Cohen made these remarks Wednesday at Citi Field, explaining that significant changes, particularly those involving players with injury histories, increased the potential for undesirable outcomes.
"When you look at the changes that were made and whenever you make significant changes sometimes it takes a while to integrate," Cohen said. He specifically pointed to the $40 million, two-year contract signed by Jorge Polanco, who has a history of injuries. Polanco missed a substantial portion of the first half of the season and was placed on the injured list again awaiting surgery on his left ankle. Cohen also noted Stearns' near-complete overhaul of the coaching staff following the team's collapse in the latter half of the previous season, which prevented them from reaching the postseason.
Cohen likened Stearns' approach to managing a financial portfolio, where higher risk can lead to greater potential upside but also a larger downside and increased variance. "I think that is what happened here," Cohen commented.
Despite the season's struggles, Cohen expressed optimism about the team's recent play, which had seen them win 10 of their last 14 games entering Wednesday. He also feels positive about the farm system following Stearns' strategic sales at the trade deadline. Cohen previously committed to retaining Stearns, whose contract is set to run through 2028, emphasizing a belief in the process over quick fixes.
"It's a process," Cohen said. "I don't think there's any magic bullets out there. But I am a process guy and if you think the processes are good and repeatable processes that generally produce good results over time, I think that's all you can do. You can't manufacture players in your farm system overnight, free agency as we have seen can be dicey. All you can do is make the best decisions you can and then build from that." Mets owner Steve Cohen talks with the media in the home dugout before a game against the San Diego Padres on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, at Citi Field.
Regarding the next managerial hire, Cohen indicated he is looking for a leader who can connect with players and motivate them through the inherent ups and downs of baseball. "I want a manager that can really relate to players," Cohen stated. "I love the idea of a manager that motivates the players. As we know baseball is an up and down. People have great moments and go into slumps. And so, how do you get the best out of your players? I think that is pretty important."
Interim manager Andy Green has indicated his intention to return to the front office after the current season concludes.