Steve Cohen’s obsession with Juan Soto, which has been a subject of Mets fans’ speculation for some time, appears to be coming back to haunt the team. The Mets’ billionaire owner has long been enamored with the star outfielder, and despite the team’s initial efforts to build a championship contender around young talent and strong pitching, Cohen’s desire to bring Soto to New York could now be a disruptive factor in the Mets’ long-term plans.
Cohen’s interest in Soto began when the Nationals slugger was first made available on the trade market. The Mets were heavily linked to discussions surrounding Soto in 2022, and while they did not land the prized left fielder at that time, they continued to express interest as the 2023 season unfolded. His ability to combine power with plate discipline, coupled with the fact that he’s one of the best young hitters in the league, made him a tantalizing target. However, the Mets’ pursuit of Soto also highlighted a tendency for Cohen to make splashy moves that sometimes disrupt the overall team-building process.
This fixation on Soto has led to questions about the Mets’ broader strategy. For one, the Mets had a massive payroll in 2023, yet their on-field product did not live up to expectations. With Cohen seemingly more interested in acquiring established stars like Soto rather than fostering internal growth and chemistry, it has sparked debates over whether this approach aligns with sustainable success.
Moreover, Cohen’s pursuit of Soto may also have contributed to the Mets’ inability to fully commit to a rebuild or refocus their efforts on younger, cost-controlled talent. The team has been hampered by a lack of depth in key positions, and the temptation to trade for stars like Soto instead of developing a more balanced roster has left them vulnerable.
Now, with Soto’s impending free agency, the Mets face the risk of further overextending themselves financially for a player who, while immensely talented, might not be the right fit for the long-term vision. There are concerns that Cohen’s desire to land Soto could derail a much-needed rebuild or strategic pivot, especially if the team places too much emphasis on short-term gains.
In the end, Steve Cohen’s infatuation with Juan Soto could prove to be both a blessing and a curse for the Mets—potentially bringing a superstar to Flushing, but also undermining the foundation needed for sustained success.
