Mike Francesa's Fiery Takedown: Steve Cohen, the Billionaire Who Can't Win?
Mike Francesa, the renowned WFAN host, unleashed a scathing critique of Steve Cohen, the wealthy owner of the Mets, following their failure to secure top free agent Kyle Tucker. Tucker opted for the Dodgers' lucrative four-year, $240 million deal, leaving the Mets and their $220 million offer in the dust. Francesa's words were harsh, painting Cohen as a feeble billionaire, easily swayed by David Stearns, the team's president of baseball operations.
But here's where it gets controversial: Francesa likened Cohen to the fictional character Bobby Axelrod from the show 'Billions', a ruthless winner who always gets his way. Francesa argued that Cohen, despite his deep pockets, has been outmaneuvered in recent years by the Dodgers, who have signed top players like Shohei Ohtani, Freddie Freeman, and now, Kyle Tucker.
And this is the part most people miss: Francesa believes Cohen's reputation as a formidable spender is being undermined. The Dodgers, not the Mets, have become the team that signs whoever they desire. Francesa's comments came just before the Mets signed Bo Bichette, a move that might have salvaged their reputation, but it doesn't erase their recent failures in the bidding wars.
Francesa's criticism extends to Stearns, suggesting he's mismanaging the team's free agency strategy. The Mets' recent record, including a disappointing 2025 season, adds fuel to Francesa's argument. He claims Stearns is building a small-market team in a big market, a strategy that doesn't align with Cohen's initial promises.
The Mets' owner, once expected to be the George Steinbrenner of the modern era, is now facing scrutiny for not living up to the hype. MLB even introduced the 'Cohen Tax' to level the playing field in bidding wars. Yet, the Dodgers continue to outbid the Mets for top talent.
So, is Francesa's assessment fair? Is Steve Cohen, with all his wealth, truly ineffective in the baseball world? Share your thoughts in the comments, and let's spark a lively discussion on this intriguing topic.
