NY Mets rumors: 3 things we learned from Steve Cohen's press conference, No. 3: Mets could sell at the trade deadline if they don't improve
The New York Mets faithful waited for Wednesday before their game against the Milwaukee Brewers. That was because team owner Steve Cohen was facing his first real test — addressing the media with the team underperforming. The expectations were high for the Mets, as they have the biggest payroll in all of baseball. Yet, as of Wednesday, they held a 36-43 record and sit fourth place in the NL East.
In his press conference, Cohen addressed the possibility of the team trading players. Cohen said that if the Mets don't improve by the Aug. 1 trade deadline, then they will consider moving players and not adding them.
So, if the Mets continue to struggle by the time the trade deadline comes around, Cohen sounded pretty adamant that he wouldn't consider making additions in hopes of making a late, miraculous push for a postseason berth in the final two months of the season.
NY Mets rumors: 3 things we learned from Steve Cohen's press conference, No. 2: Steve Cohen is looking for a president of baseball operations
While the focus of the press conference was on the 2023 New York Mets that are nowhere near close to living up to the hype. But, there were also discussions about the Mets' future.
When it comes to the front office, general manager Billy Eppler is the man in charge. But the landscape could change soon. Steve Cohen says that he is looking for a president of baseball operations because having one person run the front office is a lot. Cohen also said that Eppler is aware of his desire to hire a president of baseball operations and that he is "supportive" of it.
One name that has been linked to the Mets president of baseball ops position for quite some time has been David Stearns. In 2019, Stearns was promoted from general manager to president of baseball operations of the Milwaukee Brewers and was one of the main individuals responsible for turning the team into a consistent playoff contender. But after last season, Stearns stepped down from his position.
It will remain to be seen if Stearns landing with the Mets will be a reality. Either way, Cohen plans on hiring someone for a president of baseball operations position.
NY Mets rumors: 3 things we learned from Steve Cohen's press conference, No. 1: Billy Eppler's and Buck Showalter's jobs are safe this season
With the New York Mets struggling, the ire of the fanbase has been set on general manager Billy Eppler and manager Buck Showalter.
Eppler had already been on the hot seat with the fans due to his lack of big moves at the trade deadline last year to help the team win the NL East division and make a substantial run in the postseason. Add how he constructed the roster this offseason, and you have an angry fanbase.
Showalter is the manager, so he's on the front lines in the dugout and in front of the podium for press conferences before and after games. Fans have been critical of Showalter's in-game decisions and some of his quotes of positivity after losses.
For those fans who wanted Steve Cohen to move on from both Showalter and Eppler before the season ends, it's not going to happen. When asked about the possibility of the two remaining with the team by the end of the season, Cohen said "Absolutely."
Cohen stressed in an interview with the New York Post weeks ago that he wasn't going to blow the team up and that Eppler and Showalter aren't the sole reasons why the team isn't living up to expectations. In his press conference, he continued to show support for the two and ensure their jobs are safe through the end of the year.
