Mike Francesa’s Call-Out: Steve Cohen’s Missed Opportunity with Kyle Tucker
Mike Francesa, the famed former WFAN radio host, had a lot to say regarding New York Mets owner Steve Cohen’s recent failure to secure top free agent Kyle Tucker. After Tucker opted for a four-year, $240 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers, Francesa wasted no time expressing his disappointment.
The Discrepancy in Offers
The Mets had put forth a competitive offer to Tucker, proposing four years for $220 million. However, it wasn’t enough to sway the star outfielder, who chose the Dodgers’ more lucrative contract. Francesa pointed out that this failure paints Cohen in an unflattering light, stating, "He looks like a weak, ineffective billionaire, who doesn’t know what he’s doing."
Key Takeaways:
- Kyle Tucker’s Dodgers Deal: 4 years, $240 million.
- Mets’ Offer: 4 years, $220 million.
- Francesa’s Criticism: Cohen lacks the assertiveness as an owner.
Francesa argued that Tucker’s choice minimizes Cohen’s reputation in Major League Baseball (MLB), especially as the Los Angeles team continues to sign high-profile players with ease.
The Dodgers’ Dominance
In recent seasons, the Dodgers have established themselves as the go-to franchise for star acquisitions. Players like Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and most recently Edwin Diaz have all donned Dodger blue while the Mets seem to consistently lose out on marquee signings. Francesa remarked, "What (Tucker signing with the Dodgers) also does is it completely minimizes the importance and the strength and reputation of one Steve Cohen."
Dodgers’ Recent Acquisitions:
- Shohei Ohtani
- Freddie Freeman
- Yoshinobu Yamamoto
- Edwin Diaz
The pattern is clear: the Dodgers are aggressively strengthening their roster while the Mets are left scrambling.
Cohen vs. Bobby Axelrod: A Fail to Thrive
When Cohen took over the Mets, many fans expected him to channel the ruthless spirit of his "Billions" character, Bobby Axelrod. Instead, Francesa argues that Cohen appears outmatched in the current landscape of MLB free agency. He lamented, “He is supposed to be a ruthless, ‘I win every time’ kind of guy, and he’s getting punched this way and that way and knocked down and humiliated in baseball right now.”
Francesa’s Concerns:
- Cohen seems ineffective in high-stakes bidding wars.
- He has been unable to land players that were anticipated to be easy targets.
- There’s a worry that David Stearns, the Mets’ president of baseball operations, is steering the team in the wrong direction.
Looking Ahead: The Mets’ Future in Free Agency
Despite the discouraging developments, Cohen made headlines by swiftly pivoting to shortstop Bo Bichette, signing him for a three-year, $126 million deal after missing out on Tucker. This move indicates that Cohen is still willing to leverage his financial resources but raises questions about his strategy in competing with franchises like the Dodgers.
Current Needs for the Mets:
- Additional outfielder
- Starting pitcher
Cohen’s spending continues, but there’s mounting pressure to prove that his investments translate into on-field success. The MLB has even introduced a "Cohen Tax" aimed at regulating his financial power, but the Mets have yet to demonstrate their ability to win significant signings against their top competitors.
Conclusion: A Critical Crossroads for Steve Cohen
As the New York Mets face scrutiny for their free agency decisions, Francesa’s comments highlight a critical juncture for Cohen. While the willingness to spend is evident, the strategy — or lack thereof — raises concerns among loyal fans. Does Cohen have the prowess needed to lead the Mets into a new era, or will he continue to fall short against teams like the Dodgers?
By examining the Mets’ recent moves and the broader landscape of MLB free agency, one thing is clear: the pressure is on Cohen to deliver results, and fast.
For more insights about MLB free agency and team performance, check out ESPN’s coverage.
