Sep 17, 2023; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets owner Steve Cohen on the field before a game against the Cincinnati Reds at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports
MLB: Cincinnati Reds at New York Mets
NEW YORK — It’s the most beautiful time of the year. The sun is out. The birds are chirping. The weather is getting warmer.
But most importantly, it’s opening day. And that means Mets boss Steve Cohen is speaking to the media.
The boss spoke to reporters for 30 minutes before New York opens their season against the Brewers Friday afternoon.
“I’m really pleased at what we’ve created… I think we’ve built a club that’s gonna be there in September,” Cohen told reporters.
Opening Day, originally scheduled for Thursday, was postponed due to rain.
It marks the second consecutive season the Mets have been forced to postpone their opener because of weather implications. Fans holding tickets for Thursday’s game can use them on Friday.
“Our fans love baseball. I love baseball. I get excited because I get to watch baseball again,” Cohen explained.
“I think the goal is to make the playoffs. Let’s not overthink this. If we don’t make the playoffs, I’d be disappointed.”
New York entered the 2023 season with World Series aspirations but instead won 75 games. But oddsmakers’ are anticipating them to bounce back. According to Fan Duel Sportsbook, the Mets are +210 ($100 win $210) to make the playoff this season. The betting site projects them to win 81 games.
While 81 games likely wouldn’t get New York into the playoffs – the win total suggests the Mets should be competitive in 2024.
Cohen says he wouldn’t call the season a “reset” – but more of a “transition.”
But that’s expected when you have over $53 million in dead money invested in starting pitchers Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander.
As for Mets manager Carlos Mendoza – he’s as excited as anyone to get going.
“I’ll try to keep it one day at a time,” he said Wednesday at Citi Field. “We’ve got a lot to do, a lot of preparation and a lot of conversations. I’m pretty sure when that day presents, there will be a lot of emotions. I’m really looking forward to it.”
New York will open the season with a six-game home stand, welcoming the Tigers on Monday after finishing their three-game set against Milwaukee.
