Mets’ Cohen Discusses Attendance, High Stakes for 2025 Season

FLUSHING, N.Y. — New York Mets owner Steve Cohen addressed the media Tuesday morning, revealing his concerns over the team’s 2024 attendance amid rising ticket sales and heightened expectations for the upcoming season.

Cohen expressed his disappointment that the Mets ranked 18th in Major League Baseball attendance despite being right in the middle of a pennant race last year. “I didn’t like it, it bothered me,” he stated. “I’m really looking forward to the fans coming out to the stadium because attendance lags behind performance.”

The Mets recently announced improved ticket sales this season, especially after acquiring star outfielder Juan Soto. Cohen emphasized that following a successful National League Championship Series run last season, playoff expectations are back on the table in 2025. “I think it’s a team that’s going to produce runs,” Cohen said. “And I think our pitching is going to surprise people.”

As Cohen looks to elevate the Mets to a level comparable to the Los Angeles Dodgers, he discussed the financial structures that allow rival teams to continually add star talent. “They’ve built a great business over there with revenues that are significantly above almost any other team,” he explained. “Cash-rich teams with good attendance can do things that perhaps other teams can’t do.”

Future revenue growth is critical for the Mets, and Cohen sees improving attendance as a key factor. Highlighting that teams with deferred payments must advance the money at contract signing, he stated, “Should those rules ever change, I’ll compete under any circumstance. You tell me the rules and I’ll compete against them.”

The Mets are also progressing on the Willets Point development project, which includes plans for a new soccer stadium, casino, bars, hotels, and an upgraded transit station. “It’s a two-step process that’s hopefully going to happen in the next year,” Cohen said. The first step is re-zoning the property, followed by obtaining a casino license. Cohen noted that the project would need “an economic engine to make it work,” hinting that the casino is essential for its success.

Cohen’s comments come as the Mets prepare for spring training and assess their roster, which includes promising young pitcher Dom Hamel. Hamel struggled in 2024 but will be given another opportunity to prove himself as the team evaluates its pitching staff.

Additionally, rookie Jonah Tong reflected on his journey from Canada to professional baseball with the Mets. He recognizes the importance of adaptability in the game, mirroring Cohen’s focus on developing a resilient and talented lineup.

Overall, Cohen’s emphasis on building a stronger fanbase and improving team performance sets the stage for an exciting upcoming season for the Mets.