New York Mets: Three observations on the Steve Cohen sale

Observation #3: Ownership vetoes are very rare

The news that Cohen and the Wilpon’s ownership group have agreed to a sale is a major hurdle. In fact, considering the state of the last round of negotiations, it was likely the biggest challenge. There is, however, one other major event that must take place for the sale to become official: a vote by the 29 remaining owners.

The sale to Cohen must be approved by 22 of the 29 other owners for the deal to become official. Fans who know the Mets history of disappointment are likely still afraid something will occur between now and that point.

However, it should be known that a curveball at this point in the process would be quite rare. At this stage, the vote should be considered more of a formality than a concern.

There is some precedent for a sale being denied during an ownership change. The last occurrence was in 2012 when Jeff Moorad attempted to purchase the San Diego Padres, but was voted down by owners. However, there were a number of extenuating factors that are not concerns in the case of the Mets.

One can also be certain that MLB commissioner Rob Manfred has some handle on the situation for it to reach this stage. A sale falling through without just cause in the eleventh hour would be a stain on the league as a whole. It would be shocking if the vote did not easily pass.

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Nothing is official until after the vote, but there is very little reason to fear.