by New York Mets owner Steve Cohen has become synonymous with whatever it takes to throw star players.
Despite some criticism of his roster, Cohen’s approach has been praised by some, including 2020 National League MVP Freddie Freeman.
“I love what he’s doing,” Freeman told the New York Post. “He wants to win. He’s telling the fans, ‘I’m in here with you guys.’ He’s a baseball fan, and he’s a fan of his team.”
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Freddie Freeman of the Los Angeles Dodgers cheers during the T-Mobile Home Run Derby at Dodger Stadium July 18, 2022, in Los Angeles. (Photos by Daniel Shirey/MLB via Getty Images)
Cohen, a hedge fund manager and New York native, formally completed his $2.4 billion purchase of the Mets in November 2020. Since then, some of the biggest names in baseball have landed in Queens following contracts enter huge.
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The Mets won 101 games last season, and fans seem to agree with Cohen’s strategy. Several fans were seen wearing shirts at the team’s training camp with a picture that resembled Cohen wearing a crown.
The Mets had one of MLB’s top payrolls last season and are expected to have a superlative payroll that could exceed $360 million in 2023. The huge payroll would also put Cohen responsible for a high luxury tax bill.
Los Angeles Dodgers shortstop Justin Turner (10) named reliever Freddie Freeman (5) after Freeman scored on Trea Turner’s single during the eighth inning against the Cincinnati Reds in Los Angeles April 14, 2022. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)
Cohen has proven to be one of the few owners willing to pay the luxury tax. Many owners tend to shy away from the tax because of the added cost and reduced profits that come with signing players.
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Some of Cohen’s ownership colleagues are believed to be less than happy with the Mets’ spending patterns. But, during the recent owners’ meetings, many in attendance acknowledged that Cohen was not violating any of the league’s rules.
Freddie Freeman of the Los Angeles Dodgers during a game against the Colorado Rockies at Dodger Stadium Oct. 2, 2022, in Los Angeles. (Katharine Lotze/Getty Images)
But Freeman, who signed a six-year, $162 million contract with the Dodgers in March, said other teams shouldn’t be complaining about what Cohen is doing.
“It’s our duty to beat his team,” Freeman said.
“Why would you be upset? The guy wants to win,” he said. “Throw away. Why not? He’s telling his followers, ‘I’m with you.’ The fans are excited to have an owner who wants to win as much as they do.”
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The Dodgers typically have one of the most expensive rosters in the league, but the front office spent a little less this winter than in recent history.
“We cut back, but to a payroll of $ 240 million,” said Freeman in defense of the Dodgers. “Sure, we didn’t sign the $300 million. But, in this clubhouse, you look around and you still see a very good team.”
