Mets Owner Cohen Eyes 2026 Playoffs Amid Roster Shakeup

New York Mets owner Steve Cohen is optimistic about the team's prospects for the 2026 season, stating his expectation that the club will be a playoff contender. This confidence comes despite a substantial reshaping of the roster during the recent offseason. Cohen highlighted that the newly acquired players bring valuable playoff experience, fueling his excitement for the upcoming year. He also acknowledged the emotional difficulty for fans seeing familiar faces depart, admitting his own feelings of sadness over the changes. Despite the departures of popular players like Brandon Nimmo, Pete Alonso, Edwin Díaz, and Jeff McNeil, the Mets made several key acquisitions. These included Marcus Semien, Jorge Polanco, Devin Williams, Luke Weaver, Luis Robert Jr., Bo Bichette, and Freddy Peralta, aiming to create a formidable team on paper. Cohen was reminded by president of baseball operations David Stearns that the offseason period extends beyond December, allowing flexibility for further roster adjustments. The owner's forward-looking statements underscore a belief in the current group's potential for success in 2026.