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New York Mets owners Steve Cohen gestures while speaking during a news conference before a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers Wednesday, June 28, 2023, in New York. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
QUEENS — Mets owner Steve Cohen didn’t miss a beat when asked about confirming the notion that manager Buck Showalter and general manager Billy Eppler’s jobs were safe through the 2023 season.
“Absolutely,” he said.
The man known for being a shrewd businessman while building upon his billions of dollars in wealth continues to preach — and practice — patience with his leadership group despite the Mets entering Wednesday night’s play seven games under .500 and 16.5 games out of first place in the National League East.
“I’m a patient guy,” Cohen said. “Everybody wants a headline. Everybody says ‘Fire this person, fire that person.’ I don’t see that as a way to operate… I know fans want something to happen. I get it. But sometimes, you can’t do it because you have a long-term objective.”
Cohen’s backing of Showalter aligns with what Eppler had teased on Tuesday afternoon, imploring that the veteran skipper is “the guy to get us back on track.” But the richest owner in baseball’s leadership structure has taken a beating in those headlines he alluded to as of late. Fingers have mostly been pointed at Eppler for building a $344 million roster chock full of holes and Showalter for his lineup construction and bullpen usage.
“It’s been incredibly frustrating. I watch every game, I see what’s going on,” Cohen said. “If you asked me if I expected us to be in this position at the beginning of the season, the answer is no. Hopefully, we can right the ship. We have quality players. For some reason or another, they’re not jelling.
“It’s kind of weird, it’s very strange to me. I don’t know if…
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