Money talks. And Steve Cohen apparently has a lot to say.
The New York Mets owner started throwing around his cash before the MLB lockout, signing right-hander Max Scherzer to a record-setting three-year, $130 million contract.
Despite added luxury tax penalties in the new collective bargaining agreement, Cohen is ready to keep spending big, a move reminiscent of former New York Yankees owner George Steinbrenner.
According to SNY, the fourth luxury tax threshold in the new CBA kicks in when a club exceeds $290 million in payroll. On Sunday, Cohen said he “probably will” pass that threshold this year.
“We probably will and I wouldn’t be surprised,” Cohen said to the group. “Hard to say how much. Listen, $290 million is a lot of money to spend overall. So like I said before, I’m OK with it and I’m willing to live with it and we’ll leave it with that.”
MORE MLB:
- MLB rumors: Red Sox hoping for mid-season debut of rehabbing ex-Yankees southpaw
- MLB insider: Brian Cashman not done after blockbuster Yankees-Twins trade
- Got any room? Housing market has ex-Yankees outfielder wondering if fans can put him up
Cohen’s remarks came the same day the Mets signed former Yankees reliever Adam Ottavino to a one-year, $4 million contract.
Cohen, who bought the Mets in 2020 for more than $2.4 billion, is worth $17.4 billion, according to Forbes.
Thank you for relying on us to provide the journalism you can trust. Please consider supporting us with a subscription.
Mike Rosenstein may be reached at mrosenstein@njadvancemedia.com.
Ad Choices