PORT ST. LUCIE, Fla. (AP) — Steve Cohen, the owner of the New York Mets, appreciates the energy in the restructured clubhouse, and he emphasizes that there will be no team captain during his ownership.
“As long as I own the team, there will never be a team captain,” Cohen stated during his first press conference of spring training on Monday. “That’s my choice. I believe the locker room is special, and the players should navigate it themselves each year.”
The Mets said farewell to well-liked players like Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz, along with other key figures, before Christmas, while welcoming free agent Bo Bichette and making a trade for All-Star pitcher Freddy Peralta.
Entering the third season under manager Carlos Mendoza, the Mets are looking to rebound after failing to reach the playoffs following their 2024 NL championship series appearance.
“I just felt the energy in the locker room and during the meeting, which is truly thrilling,” Cohen remarked on the day of the team’s first full-squad workout. “These new, fresh faces are ones that our fans will enjoy watching. It feels different, and I anticipate we will play a different style of baseball, which is exciting.”
While the Yankees had Derek Jeter, known as “the captain,” throughout his 20 seasons, Cohen remains unwavering in his perspective. His view could also prevent the Mets from having to choose a captain between two star players, Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto.
“It’s simply my philosophy on how I envision a locker room,” Cohen explained. “Every year the team is different, and I think the players should determine the dynamics without a designated captain. It’s rare to have a captain in baseball.”
