When it comes to baseball in New York, money talks – but legacy screams louder. Steve Cohen, the billionaire owner of the Mets, boasts a staggering $21.3 billion fortune.
He has spent lavishly, signing marquee players like Juan Soto and bolstering his roster with big-name acquisitions. Yet, despite this immense financial power, the Yankees, led by the Steinbrenner family with their comparatively modest $3.8 billion net worth, continue to dominate the city’s baseball narrative. The Bronx Bombers still own New York’s soul.
The latest Subway Series between the Mets and Yankees was a stark reminder that money alone cannot buy the reverence and success that the Yankees have painstakingly built over the decades. It’s not just about deep pockets-it’s about tradition, culture, and the intangible aura of winning that the Yankees have nurtured for more than a century.
Juan Soto deal hasn’t tipped the scales
David Samson, former Mets president and current baseball analyst, laid out this reality succinctly during his recent show. Reflecting on the Mets’ failure to capture the Subway Series despite signing Juan Soto.
“Did you really think signing Soto would suddenly make the Mets the better team in New York? It’s like the Clippers in LA-they try to take over but never will. The Mets have tried and will never become the Yankees. No matter what Steve Cohen does, there’s just no catching up,” Samson declared.
Indeed, Cohen’s spending spree this offseason has been nothing short of impressive. With record-breaking contracts for Juan Soto – a 15-year, $765 million deal – and key additions like pitchers Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas, the Mets clearly intend to challenge the Yankees’ dominance. Soto, a Dominican superstar, started the 2025 season with flashes of brilliance, dazzling fans and raising hopes that the Mets might finally turn the tide.
However, the initial excitement quickly faded as Soto’s performance became inconsistent, leaving fans and critics anxious. Despite this slump, Cohen has shown unwavering faith in his star outfielder.
In interviews, Cohen emphasized Soto’s value beyond just his batting average, noting how his patient approach at the plate “makes pitchers throw extra pitches” and helps set the table for other hitters like Pete Alonso.
“He’s singularly focused on baseball; he’s a pure hitter,” Cohen said. “Let’s have this discussion at the end of the year.”
This cautious optimism reflects a broader truth in New York baseball: legacy and culture are not built overnight or simply bought. The Yankees’ greatness is sculpted from championships, iconic players, and postseason moments that resonate deeply with fans. Steve Cohen’s billions may amplify the Mets’ payroll, but they can’t replicate the storied history or emotional connection that the Yankees command.
While the Mets’ ambitions are clear, and their financial muscle undeniable, the reality of New York sports culture is harsh. Fans in the city do not crown teams based on spending; they crown them based on substance, success, and tradition. For now, despite all the investments and high-profile signings, the Mets remain challengers in a city where pinstripes rule.
Read the full article here
