During a conversation with Mets radio voice Howie Rose, Mets owner Steve Cohen addressed the offseason departures of Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz.
Speaking from Port St. Lucie, Cohen explained that Alonso’s exit wasn’t especially difficult to accept. The Mets were unwilling to extend to five years in negotiations, and Alonso ultimately secured what Cohen described as a strong five-year, $155 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles.
Díaz’s decision, however, caught Cohen off guard. The star closer signed a three-year, $69 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Cohen admitted he found the move puzzling. While the Mets’ offer was slightly lower financially, Cohen said the team made a competitive bid and even signaled a willingness to increase it. Still, Díaz had already made up his mind.
Cohen noted that the Mets had prepared for that possibility by signing All-Star reliever Devin Williams, calling it a smart safeguard in case negotiations with Díaz fell through.
The departures of Alonso and Díaz were part of a sweeping winter overhaul that also included trades involving Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil. The roster transformation extended to the coaching staff, now led by manager Carlos Mendoza.
Cohen acknowledged that parting ways with players who had been with the organization since he took ownership was emotionally challenging. He said he had built close relationships with several of them, making this transition personally difficult and unfamiliar.
At the same time, the changes created flexibility for major additions, including the signing of Bo Bichette after the Mets missed out on Kyle Tucker. Cohen expressed enthusiasm about the revamped roster, emphasizing that many of the new players bring postseason experience and have thrived under pressure. He believes that pedigree positions the Mets to return to the playoffs in 2026.
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