MLB insider reflects on Mets' playoff chances after Steve Cohen spent nearly $1,000,000,000 on contracts

TOI Sports Desk / TIMESOFINDIA.COM / Mar 22, 2025, 20:00 IST

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The New York Mets have committed nearly $1 billion in contracts, including a record-breaking $765 million deal with Juan Soto, aiming to become contenders in MLB. Despite their spending spree, some experts doubt their playoff chances due to pitching concerns and tough competition from the Phillies and Braves.

MLB insider reflects on Mets' playoff chances after Steve Cohen spent nearly $1,000,000,000 on contracts (Image Source: Getty)

The New York Mets have spent significantly on their roster, signing players to the tune of nearly $1 billion in contracts in the offseason. Owner Steve Cohen's strategy is to get the team in a position to contend in Major League Baseball (MLB). Despite these massive investments, though, some experts still aren't certain that the Mets will play their way into the playoffs next year.

Steve Cohen's spending money freely

Mets owner Steve Cohen has demonstrated a desire to spend in order to make the team successful. Alone this offseason, the Mets have inked many high-profile signings, including a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million contract with superstar outfielder Juan Soto.

They also inked All-Star reliever Clay Holmes for $38 million, pitcher Frankie Montas for $34 million, and brought back key players such as first baseman Pete Alonso ($54 million), starter Sean Manaea ($75 million), and designated hitter Jesse Winker ($7.5 million). That has pushed the Mets' projected 2025 payroll to approximately $332 million.

Steve Cohen acknowledges that this level of spending is not the optimal way to run a team, but his necessity to be able to field a winning team makes the spending worth it. He has expressed plans to develop the team's farm system in order to develop talent and reduce expensive free-agent signings down the road.

Analysts question Mets' Playoff chances

Notwithstanding the Mets' busy offseason, there are some MLB sources who remain doubtful regarding the team's potential to make the playoffs. One such individual is Anthony Castrovince, who foresees the Mets missing the playoffs for 2025 on account of pitching concerns.
According to him, division foes like the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves, if their lineups are intact, can possess better pitching rotations than the Mets. The Mets currently do not have an actual No. 1 ace after coming up short of acquiring high-level starters Corbin Burnes and Max Fried.
All in all, while Steve Cohen's deep spending has turned the Mets into a powerhouse on paper, doubts about their pitching depth and the quality of their division make it questionable whether they can make the playoffs. Next season will answer whether the Mets' spendthrift ways can translate into on-field success and a coveted spot in the postseason.
Also Read: "Deserved That Respect": Mets Owner Steve Cohen Reveals Reasons To Re-Open Pete Alonso's Contract Negotiations

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TOI Sports Desk

The TOI Sports Desk excels in a myriad of roles that capture the essence of live sporting events and deliver compelling content to readers worldwide. From running live blogs for India and non-India cricket matches to global spectacles featuring Indian talents, like the Chess World Cup final featuring Praggnanandhaa and the Badminton World Championships semifinal featuring HS Prannoy, our live coverage extends to all mega sporting events. We extensively cover events like the Olympics, Asian Games, Cricket World Cups, FIFA World Cups, and more. The desk is also adept at writing comprehensive match reports and insightful post-match commentary, complemented by stats-based articles that provide an in-depth analysis of player performances and team dynamics. We track news wires for key stories, conduct exclusive player interviews in both text and video formats, and file content from print editions and reporters. We keep track of all viral stories, trending topics and produce our own copies on the subjects. We deliver accurate, engaging, and up-to-the-minute sports content, round the clock.

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