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Mets Owner Steve Cohen Says Payroll May Approach $300 Million in 2027 and Farm System Has Regressed
Mets owner Steve Cohen told reporters he is extremely worried about the team's future after regression in its farm system. He cited large contracts that could push the 2027 payroll near $300 million and limit spending flexibility. Cohen spoke Wednesday with New York Post reporters Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman.
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Mets owner Steve Cohen said Wednesday he is extremely worried about the franchise after regression in its farm system and large existing contracts that could constrain spending in 2027. Cohen told The Post’s Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman that President of Baseball Operations David Stearns will remain in his role.
He said the organization had felt positive about its prospects last year but has since seen the farm system decline.
“Between signings where we couldn’t get the players on the field and some lack of performance from some of our younger players, it set us back,” Cohen said. ” Cohen listed infielder Bo Bichette, outfielder Luis Robert Jr. and starting pitcher Clay Holmes among players whose contracts could become guaranteed for 2027.
He said the payroll could approach $300 million depending on opt-ins and opt-outs, with at least $229 million already projected from commitments to Juan Soto, Bichette and Francisco Lindor. The current collective bargaining agreement expires after the 2026 season. Cohen said he does not yet know the rules that will govern the next agreement and will operate within whatever limits are set.
He did not indicate whether an external review of team processes would be conducted.
