NY Mets News: Steve Cohen gives fans the best trade deadline news possible

Ahead of the New York Mets finale against the Washington Nationals on Sunday, owner Steve Cohen delivered the best piece of trade deadline news possible.

Steve Cohen said the Mets are willing to go over the luxury-tax threshold, in the right situation.

"We're not going over for a million, two million bucks. That's stupid," he said. "If you're going to do it, you're going to do it. We'll see what's available."
— Tim Healey (@timbhealey) June 20, 2021

Get excited, Mets fans. The wallet is open if necessary.

What could make the Mets go over the luxury tax threshold?

There’s no major need for the Mets to go over the luxury tax at this moment. Assuming guys will come back healthy, it would be more of a flex than anything else for the club to go out and spend a ton of money via trade.

Starting pitching may be their most pressing need at the moment. Uncertainty about several starters, including Carlos Carrasco and Noah Syndergaard whom we have yet to see, could lead the team to adding a high-priced pitcher this summer.

Other than a starting pitcher, it’s tough to imagine the Mets going too far over the luxury tax in order to win this year. A major injury to a position player could change this. In which case, we could see the Mets blow past the luxury tax in their attempt to capture a title.

Another takeaway from these comments from Steve Cohen

While the Mets stayed under the luxury tax to start this season, there’s no reason to think this will always be the case. I’ve heard some people speculate that Cohen didn’t go on a crazy spending spree in his first winter as owner in order to curry favor with the other owners in the league. Although purely speculation, I understand the logic.

Nothing good will come from a new owner changing the fabric of the league because of his wealth. There are only 30 majority owners in the world who have a Major League Baseball team they can call their own. Considering all of the behind-the-scenes talks between the league, ownership, and players, it’s best to play nice.

However, I do think Cohen’s comments extend beyond just this trade deadline. If an offseason in the near future arrives and the Mets need help, I do think they’re going to go above and beyond the luxury tax. Otherwise, what good are those billions for if not for getting a championship?

The Mets have been wise with their transactions. Cohen’s willingness to go over the luxury tax but only if necessary is a smart take on his behalf which I agree with.

Next. A current Mets player who could replace Michael Conforto

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A team shouldn’t acquire assets that cost a penalty unless absolutely necessary. Furthermore, if you’re already paying a penalty, what bad does paying a little more do?

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