No Captain, No Problem? Mets Owner Steve Cohen Shakes Things Up
The New York Mets are back in action, with the full squad reporting to Port St. Lucie for spring training. But this year, there's a twist. Owner Steve Cohen has declared that as long as he's in charge, there will never be a team captain. This bold statement has sparked debate and left many wondering about the team's leadership dynamic. And this is the part most people miss: Cohen's decision might be a direct message to Francisco Lindor, who was widely considered the frontrunner for the captaincy.
Cohen didn't stop there. He also expressed frustration with the team's inconsistency in recent years, signaling a no-nonsense approach to the 2026 season. But here's where it gets controversial: Cohen identified himself as a "league-first" owner regarding the salary cap, a stance that could ruffle feathers among fans and players alike. Is this a wise approach, or could it backfire? Weigh in below!
On the field, the Mets are making moves. They signed veteran outfielder Mike Tauchman to a minor league deal, adding him to the competition for the open right field spot. Meanwhile, Christian Scott impressed during his session, with Carlos Mendoza praising his cutter and John Harper predicting a spot in the rotation at some point. However, Scott is unlikely to be ready for Opening Day as he continues his recovery from an elbow injury.
Looking beyond the Mets, the NL East is shaping up to be a competitive division. The Phillies are aiming for a World Series title, while the Braves' Ronald Acuña Jr. is described as a "bull ready for the door to open." The Marlins, under principal owner Bruce Sherman, have set their sights on winning. But the question remains: Can any of these teams dethrone the Mets in the NL East?
Around the league, Spring Training is in full swing. Fangraphs released its list of top 100 prospects for 2026, and MLB.com highlighted players with the most to prove, including the Mets' Kodai Senga. Mike Trout is healthy and eyeing a return to center field, while Vlad Guerrero Jr. is happier than ever. However, not all news is positive: Tommy Edman of the Dodgers is dealing with an ankle injury, and Pablo López cut his bullpen session short due to elbow soreness.
As the season approaches, one thing is clear: 2026 is shaping up to be a year of change, both on and off the field. What do you think? Is Steve Cohen's captain-less approach a good move, or is it a recipe for disaster? Let us know in the comments!
