5 reasons the Mets have underachieved under Steve Cohen’s watch

4) Steve Cohen’s presence alone has put a target on the team

It was inevitable that the Cohen-led Mets would have a target on their backs. He didn’t take over as the majority owner with as much swagger or arrogance as some believed he would. For the most part, he’s been pretty tame in comparison to what some of the expectations were.

Nevertheless, knowing he is the richest owner in the sport and now shown he’s willing to break salary records has created a stronger anti-Cohen sentiment. How many teams would be willing to do any sort of a trade with them?

Following the 2021 trade for Javier Baez where the Mets look like they were robbed of Pete Crow-Armstrong, most of the transactions made by this ball club at a blockbuster level have been through free agency. They were able to pick up Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco from Cleveland but that was a bit different. The future Guardians needed to get something for their star shortstop and the Mets were willing to give up two quality MLB infielders for him.

It’s only those kinds of financial deals the Mets might be able to make on a regular basis. Teams who want to get anything at all for a pending free agent or are looking to dump salary will gladly call up the Mets. Otherwise, they’re leaving the Amazins to fend for themselves.