Steve Cohen Isn’t Backing Down: Mets Owner Responds to Dodgers’ Spending Spree with Confidence and a Big Signing of His Own
The Dodgers may have stolen the spotlight this offseason with a string of blockbuster signings - including outfielder Kyle Tucker and two-way star Shohei Ohtani - but don’t expect Mets owner Steve Cohen to shy away from the challenge. If anything, he’s leaning into it.
“They’re formidable,” Cohen said of the Dodgers. “They have the ability to spend. So do I, by the way.”
That’s not just talk from the Mets’ billionaire owner - it’s a clear signal that New York isn’t going to sit quietly while Los Angeles dominates the headlines. The Dodgers might be setting the pace, but Cohen is making it known: the Mets are still in the race.
Dodgers’ Spending Raises Eyebrows - and the Bar
The Dodgers’ recent spree has reignited the long-running debate around a potential salary cap in Major League Baseball. With Tucker’s $240 million deal joining Ohtani’s historic contract on the books, some around the league are questioning whether the playing field is still level.
MLB remains the only major North American pro league without a salary cap, and the Dodgers’ aggressive approach has drawn both criticism and admiration. But while some see it as a competitive imbalance, others - especially the players - see it as a blueprint.
San Diego Padres star Manny Machado didn’t mince words when asked about the Dodgers’ approach: “I f-ing love it. Every team should be doing it. … S- is f-ing great for the game.”
Philadelphia Phillies slugger Bryce Harper echoed the sentiment: “They pay the money, they spend the money. … They run their team like a business, and they run it the right way.”
Mets Miss Out on Tucker, Land Bichette Instead
Cohen admitted the Mets were in on Tucker and was “annoyed” they couldn’t close the deal on the All-Star outfielder. Losing closer Edwin Díaz to the Dodgers only added salt to the wound.
But the Mets didn’t walk away empty-handed. In a move that turned some heads, they locked in infielder Bo Bichette - a player the Dodgers were reportedly targeting as well.
In a conversation with Mets broadcaster Howie Rose, Cohen made it clear he’s more than happy with how things turned out.
“Frankly, once it was all done, and we got Bo to come to the Mets, (I) actually feel Bo might be a better fit for the team,” Cohen said.
That’s not just a face-saving spin. Bichette brings a dynamic presence to the Mets' infield, combining high-contact hitting with defensive versatility. And in a lineup that already features some serious pop, his game could be the connective tissue that ties everything together.
Cohen vs. The Dodgers: A Battle of Big Spenders
This isn’t the first time Cohen has gone toe-to-toe with the Dodgers on the free-agent market, and it won’t be the last. What’s different now is the tone - Cohen sounds more like a man who’s finding his footing in the high-stakes world of MLB ownership.
The Dodgers have built a juggernaut, no question. But Cohen’s message is clear: he’s not intimidated.
He’s not scaling back. And he’s not afraid to take big swings - even if some miss.
Whether or not the Mets' offseason moves can match the Dodgers’ splash remains to be seen on the field. But one thing is certain: Steve Cohen isn’t playing small. And in a league where money talks, he’s making sure the Mets have a voice in the conversation.