Good Morning. Steve Cohen meets the Press says he wants a lower payroll and better attendance, Adam Ottavino goes to the Red Sox and Edwin Diaz adds muscle.
Section Links: Mets Links, MLB Links, and This Day in Mets History
Tim Healey Newsday: Steve Cohen wants to lower Mets' payroll to 'more normal spending level'. "Heading into 2025, the Mets’ major-league salaries are at about $325 million, which Cohen said is significantly higher than what he wanted and planned entering the offseason. He also estimated that that figure will rise to $340 million or more with routine in-season expenses."
Joel Sherman NY Post Sports+: Steve Cohen will battle with himself — and starving Mets fans will win. "Steve Cohen has visions of dropping below what even he wryly called on Tuesday the “Cohen Tax” threshold...I just do not think it will happen, at least not any time soon. Because Steve Cohen will get in the way of Steve Cohen. As one so competitive and aspirational, is he really going to let money he has in abundance slow his quest for championships (plural)?" (subscription required)
David Lennon Newsday: Steve Cohen says he wants to rein in Mets' payroll, but he can't help chasing the rush of winning. "Judging by what Cohen did this offseason — pulling out all stops to sign Juan Soto to that record 15-year, $765 million deal, then soaring back into the highest tax bracket in giving Pete Alonso that two-year, $54 million contract — it’s clear which side won. Cohen can balance the books some other time. For now, he wants that October thrill again, at nearly any cost. Even for baseball’s richest man, there’s only one way to get it."
Tim Healey Newsday: Steve Cohen 'really bothered' by Mets' attendance numbers in 2024. "The Mets ranked 18th in the majors in attendance last season with an average of 28,757 people per game. That was worse than the Brewers and Diamondbacks and just ahead of the Orioles and Guardians. “I didn’t like it. It really bothered me,” Cohen said Tuesday."
NY Post: Scott Boras ‘didn’t say a freakin’ word’ during final Mets negotiations with Pete Alonso: Steve Cohen. "After Cohen decided the negotiations had gone on long enough, he and...David Stearns flew down to Tampa to meet with Alonso and his agent Scott Boras...“Had a great conversation over a few hours and, frankly, Pete did all the talking,” Cohen said. “Scott didn’t say a freakin’ word the whole time.” “I just want to make sure you’re still breathing over there,” Cohen said in reference to Boras’ silence during the meeting."
NY Post: Paul Blackburn back from spinal injury hell to battle for Mets rotation spot. Blackburn had surgery in October "in which doctors shaved bone spurs around a capsule in the spine that was punctured...The fact Blackburn is without minor league options (Megill can be optioned to the minors) places him as the front-runner for the spot provided he is healthy."
NY Post: SNY to stream Mets games on MLB app — here’s how much it costs. "SNY launched a subscription service in partnership with Major League Baseball, providing a standalone, direct-to-consumer option on the MLB app for those looking to watch the Amazin’s. Those in the Mets’ market, which includes New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and parts of Pennsylvania, can subscribe for $24.99 per month, $124.99 per season or $149.99 per year."
NY Post: Ex-Mets and Yankees reliever Adam Ottavino signs minor league contract with Red Sox.
NY Post: Pete Alonso hypes up Steve Cohen-owned NY TGL squad with Mets-flavored intro. "Pete Alonso appeared to bring Steve Cohen’s TGL team a stroke of good luck Tuesday night after he led the New York Golf Club out into the arena for its match against Jupiter Links Golf Club. Alonso, along with Cohen and Mets stars Jeff McNeil and Brandon Nimmo, were on hand for the TGL match at SoFi Center, Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, a 30-minute trip down the road from the team’s spring training facility in Port St. Lucie."
Abbey Mastracco NY Daily News: Mets Notebook: Edwin Diaz adds muscle, Paul Blackburn and Griffin Canning throw live BP. "Diaz put on about 10 pounds of muscle over the winter, which he thinks will help him recover more effectively between outings and help him get up and down if the Mets need him to. He threw a bullpen earlier in the week with the goal of throwing 20 pitches, but threw 27 with ease."
"Why not set a high goal and try to make it?"
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 18, 2025
Steve Cohen was asked about his talk of the Mets possibly winning 2-4 World Series in the next 10 years: pic.twitter.com/cove4gJLdr
"I think it's a team that is gonna produce runs. I think our pitching's gonna surprise people."
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 18, 2025
Steve Cohen talks about the 2025 Mets: pic.twitter.com/ag2iWsC3wS
Steve Cohen was asked what would make this year successful:
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 18, 2025
"We've got to make the playoffs, that's the minimum." pic.twitter.com/xKwiADaQXp
"I'd like to get below the Cohen Tax. I'm sure it's about me but there's a lot of Cohens out there" 😂
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 18, 2025
Steve Cohen talks about getting below the Cohen Tax: pic.twitter.com/pibFWfZE51
"They've built a great business over there with revenues that are significantly above almost any other team and that gives them the ability to do things that perhaps other teams can't do. Kudos to them. They've built a great organization."
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 18, 2025
- Steve Cohen on the Dodgers pic.twitter.com/a8Twlso9HH
"I think people are focused on the deferral and maybe not thinking about the fact that they're advancing cash at the beginning"
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 18, 2025
Steve Cohen was asked about the Dodgers deferring money in their deals with free agents: pic.twitter.com/OrdCdB0BLs
"We need an economic engine to make that work"
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 18, 2025
Steve Cohen talks about the state of the Willets Point project around Citi Field: pic.twitter.com/GBQpjigZaC
"I'll compete under any circumstance. You tell me the rules and I'll compete against them."
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 18, 2025
- Steve Cohen pic.twitter.com/rtUW6z6nXF
"I didn't like it. That really bothered me."
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 18, 2025
Steve Cohen was asked about the Mets ranking 18th in MLB in attendance last year: pic.twitter.com/NHVBt9GQXD
Steve Cohen was asked about Vladimir Guerrero Jr. turning down an extension with the Blue Jays:
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 18, 2025
"I'll let my baseball people make that decision." pic.twitter.com/lIRYC6InyY
.@ShaunMorash takes exception to Steve Cohen’s comments regarding Mets fan attendance:@EvanRobertsWFAN @EvanandTikiWFAN pic.twitter.com/qwWRjvVawv
— WFAN Sports Radio (@WFAN660) February 18, 2025
"Everything means something and it could cost you a season, it could cost you a series."
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 18, 2025
Carlos Mendoza talks about what the Mets took away from going to the NLCS last year: pic.twitter.com/as9ehYfAq4
Who do you have higher expectations for this season: Aaron Judge or Juan Soto?@sal_licata, @DaniWex, and @NYNJHarper discuss their picks on Baseball Night in New York
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 19, 2025
▶ Tri-State @Cadillac pic.twitter.com/XceY2W8k6E
On Baseball Night in New York, @sal_licata discusses why Steve Cohen should invest in bringing Vladimir Guerrero Jr. to the Mets when he becomes a free agent next offseason
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 19, 2025
▶ Tri-State @Cadillac pic.twitter.com/8GtJSBPfQY
Juan Soto takes BP 💣 pic.twitter.com/v21PjPxk4S
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 18, 2025
Griffin Canning strikes out Francisco Lindor looking during live BP pic.twitter.com/GppyHiMeIS
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) February 18, 2025
Jesse Winker gave Paul Blackburn a nod of approval after this pitch ⬇️ pic.twitter.com/rrnUAX3fp1
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) February 18, 2025
Sean Reid-Foley strikes out Brandon Nimmo in Live BP pic.twitter.com/5gh2737KUk
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 18, 2025
Brandon Sproat tees up some baseballs for a Special Olympics athlete pic.twitter.com/NnAv1JyqIF
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) February 18, 2025
Jared Young helped take a picture of Brett Baty and some Special Olympics athletes 📱 pic.twitter.com/ikdWcO8wOh
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) February 18, 2025
Mark Vientos coaches some Special Olympics infielders! pic.twitter.com/yEyrP0VlHh
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) February 18, 2025
Brandon Nimmo works with Special Olympics participants on catching pop flies pic.twitter.com/WVyUPCvgpi
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 18, 2025
Sean Manaea offers to teach a Special Olympics participant how to throw a knuckleball:
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 18, 2025
"Mine's terrible, so I don't know if I should be teaching you" 😂 pic.twitter.com/TNNREaZosR
Mets Daily Clips:
Spring Training Alonso VNR: https://app.criticalmention.com/app/#/report/10e213d3-70f2-4162-ab95-6b2b72fd4e3e
Steve Cohen on Spending, Attendance, Expectations:
- Cohen holds court on offseason spending, '25 expectations and beyond (MLB)
- Steve Cohen wants to lower Mets' payroll to 'more normal spending level' (Newsday)
- Steve Cohen 'really bothered' by Mets' attendance numbers in 2024 (Newsday)
- Steve Cohen will battle with himself — and starving Mets fans will win (New York Post)
- Steve Cohen wants more after Mets’ deep playoff run in 2024 (New York Post)
- Steve Cohen on Mets’ poor fan attendance during 2024 postseason push: ‘I didn’t like it’ (New York Daily News)
- Mets’ Steve Cohen still spending despite tax threshold named after him: ‘It always seems like ballplayers are more expensive than I think’ (New York Daily News)
- How far will Steve Cohen go to get NY Mets a World Series championship? (The Record)
- The issue that ‘really bothered’ Mets owner Steve Cohen last season (NJ.com)
- Mets owner wants winner, but excessive spending not 'optimal' (ESPN)
- Steve Cohen: Mets ‘blew through’ expected team payroll growth this offseason (The Athletic)
- Even Steve Cohen Is Shocked at How Much Money the Mets Spent This Offseason (SI.com)
- Mets’ Steve Cohen gives thoughts on Jose Iglesias situation (SI.com)
- Mets' Steve Cohen: 'We got to make the playoffs' (SI.com)
- Steve Cohen: Mets’ pitching ‘will surprise people’ (SI.com)
- Steve Cohen encouraged by increase in Season Ticket sales (SI.com)
- Mets owner Steve Cohen would like to be more measured in his spending (AP)
- Mets owner takes issue with ‘Cohen Tax’ moniker: ‘(We) sure it’s about me?' (NJ.com)
TV and Streaming News:
- Mets games have found a streaming home on the MLB App (MLB)
- SNY launches digital streaming service with MLB, so you can now watch Mets games without a pay TV subscription (Newsday)
- SNY to stream Mets games on MLB app — here’s how much it costs (New York Post)
- NY Mets fans can now stream the team's games on SNY. Here's how (The Record)
- Mets 2025 Spring Training TV schedule: Dates, times for games on SNY, WPIX Channel 11 (The Record)
- Blackout buster? SNY to stream Mets games as MLB reaches 22 teams available without TV bundle (The Athletic)
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. News:
- Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays fail to strike deal before slugger’s deadline as Mets potentially loom in free agency (New York Post)
- Mets' slugger target just got easier to acquire ... but he eyes a Yankees rival (NJ.com)
- New York Mets listed as a favorite to land upcoming Blue Jays free agent (SI.com)
- Steve Cohen discusses Mets potential Vladimir Guerrero Jr. pursuit (SI.com)
Pete Alonso News:
- Scott Boras ‘didn’t say a freakin’ word’ during final Mets negotiations with Pete Alonso: Steve Cohen (New York Post)
- Mets, including Pete Alonso, lead out NY Golf Club for TGL match in Florida (The Record)
- Pete Alonso Leads New York Golf Club Out in Electric Walk-Up at TGL Match (SI.com)
- Mets legend Ron Darling predicts a breakout 2025 season for Pete Alonso (SI.com)
- Pete Alonso hypes up Steve Cohen-owned NY TGL squad with Mets-flavored intro (New York Post)
Other Mets News:
- Mets Notebook: Edwin Diaz adds muscle, Paul Blackburn and Griffin Canning throw live BP (New York Daily News)
- NJ native wants to ‘prove’ worthy of Mets’ rotation vacancy left by Frankie Montas (NJ.com)
- Juan Soto and Aaron Judge swap quips: Who’s better, the Yankees or Mets? (The Athletic)
- Paul Blackburn back from spinal injury hell to battle for Mets rotation spot (New York Post)
- Mets' new relief ace: Newly engaged and with a rehab plan to return to mound (NJ.com)
- With a reinvigorated hitting lab, Mets hope they can spur development at all levels (The Athletic)
- David Stearns reveals 2-word reaction to Juan Soto signing (SI.com)
Today's Back Pages:
Mets.com:
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Yahoo Sports/Mets:
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Mets' Pete Alonso reacts to 'We Want Pete' chants
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Metsmerized:
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Camp Notes: Holmes to Start Grapefruit League Opener, Soto Likely to Hit Second
Report: Mets Showing Interest in José Quintana
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Amazing Avenue:
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Faith and Fear in Flushing:
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Mets360:
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Kiner's Korner:
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Mack's Mets:
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Tom Brennan: Parada By The Numbers; Montas Blues
Reese Kaplan -- Mets Offseason Roster Bullet List Number Twelve
NY Post: "Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and the Blue Jays did not reach an agreement on a contract extension before the Monday deadline he set, and the All-Star first baseman does not wish to negotiate during the season, meaning he will hit the open market next offseason as he enters the final year of his current contract."
MLB.com:
MLB News
Crowd gathers for Sasaki's first live BP, which doesn't disappoint
In a Vlad Jr. free agency frenzy, who are the likely suitors and frontrunners?
Walker's new mindset on display in strong camp showing
MLB to test automated ball-strike challenge system during spring games
Williams' 'Airbender' wowing at first Yanks camp
1 prospect for each team to watch this spring
Brimming with potential, nearly healthy Mauricio can 'finally see the light'
Now an outfielder, Cruz ready to take off
Traded for each other last year, Flaherty and Liranzo square off
MLB Trade Rumors:
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The Tigers’ Shortstop Situation
What Might It Cost To Extend Brenton Doyle?
Royals Sign Ross Stripling To Minor League Deal
Latest On Brewers’ Infield Alignment
MLB Mailbag: Devers, Vlad, Rizzo, Mets, Phillies, Sean Murphy
NL East Notes: Sale, Montas, Wood
Nationals Sign Lucas Sims
Rockies Sign Scott Alexander, Designate Aaron Schunk
MLBTR Chat Transcript
Guardians Sign John Means
Poll: The Dodgers’ Rotation
MLBTR Podcast: Alex Bregman, The Padres Add Players, And No Extension For Vlad Jr.
Cubs To Sign Justin Turner
The Opener: Nationals, Extensions, MLBTR Chat
Vladimir Guerrero Jr. Expects To Reach Free Agency Without Extension
Yahoo Sports:
MLB Baseball News, Scores, Standings, Rumors, Fantasy Games
Roki Sasaki's first live batting practice draws a crowd at Dodgers camp: 'Everybody's excited to watch it'
Carlos Mendoza ‘leaning’ towards hitting Juan Soto behind Francisco Lindor in Mets' lineup
Dodgers rookie phenom Roki Sasaki pleased with first live session of spring training
Yankees' Aaron Judge entertains playing in 2026 World Baseball Classic: 'That would be pretty fun'
Yankees pitching prospect Chase Hampton has flexor strain and goes to New York for exam
Yankees Injury Tracker: Giancarlo Stanton has no timetable to resume baseball activities
MLB spring training: 6 players to watch, from Roki Sasaki to Mike Trout
The Dodgers have a record-setting payroll. Could their spending impact future CBA talks?
Yankees top pitching prospect Chase Hampton has 'something going on in the UCL,' undergoing further testing
Shota Imanaga honored to be part of historic pitching matchup when Cubs face the Dodgers in Japan
ESPN:
www.espn.com - MLB
What missing out on Alex Bregman says about Cubs' unwillingness to spend
Manfred: Dodgers spending 'within the rules'
Jays' Springer to share leadoff spot, get LF time
CBS Sports:
CBSSports.com Headlines
New Red Sox star Alex Bregman open to playing 'wherever it helps the team win'
MLBPA's Tony Clark calls out Rob Manfred for lockout comments: 'The other side keeps interjecting negativity'
Scott Boras suggests a better way to measure MLB teams' 'commitment' than payroll
FanGraphs:
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Picks to Click: Who I Expect to Make the 2026 Top 100
The Jay of Reckoning Is Upon Us
Building a Consensus Top Hitting Prospect List by Peak Projected OPS+
Effectively Wild Episode 2285: Shoeless Sho
Geraldo Perdomo Signs Four-Year Extension With Diamondbacks
The Millville Meteorite
The Orioles Are Baseball’s Most Fascinating Team-Building Puzzle
Paul Janish Ponders the Promise of a Rejuvenated White Sox Prospect Pipeline
ZiPS 2025 Top 100 Prospects
Joey Gallo Stares Down Oblivion
Braves.com:
Braves News
Smith-Shawver looks back on whirlwind final week of '24
Murphy eager to reclaim status as one of game's top backstops
1 prospect for each team to watch this spring
Marlins.com:
Marlins News
Mervis eyes fresh start in Miami: 'He has a real chance to help us out'
1 prospect for each team to watch this spring
Now a face of the Marlins, Norby still working as hard as ever
Phillies.com:
Phillies News
If Turner returns to leadoff roots, selectivity at plate may follow
1 prospect for each team to watch this spring
At home in camp, could Phils' top prospect reach bigs sooner than later?
Nationals.com:
Nationals News
Crews in 'full go' mode as camp gets underway
Nats bring in 'pen help, signing Lucas Sims to 1-year deal
1 prospect for each team to watch this spring
Born on this date:
- Tim Burke (1959)
- Alvaro Espinoza (1962)
- Miguel Batista (1971)
Died on this date:
- Dick Smith (2012)
Transactions:
New York Mets signed free agent Edgardo Alfonzo on February 19, 1991.
New York Mets signed free agent Sandy Alomar on February 19, 2007.
Detroit Tigers signed Bobby Parnell of the New York Mets as a free agent on February 19, 2016.
Atlanta Braves signed Carlos Torres of the New York Mets as a free agent on February 19, 2016.
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