Mets owner Steve Cohen says fans 'have been through worse,' eyes turnaround

New York Mets owner Steve Cohen says his team can still turn around its season and fans "have been through worse."

Cohen praised his front office and manager Carlos Mendoza during a news conference before Sunday's final of the two-game London Series, a day after Philadelphia won the opener, 7-2. 

The Mets entered Sunday's game against their National League East rival nine games under .500, just over seven weeks from the trade deadline.

"I know everybody’s focused on the trade deadline," Cohen said after posing for photos at the podium with shortstop Francisco Lindor. "That's all anybody wants to talk about. We’ve got a lot of games to play. Let’s get focused on what’s happening now. We’ve got to chip away."

Cohen, who bought the team ahead of the 2021 season, interacted with fans during the London trip.

"They came over here because they love the Mets, they care about the Mets," said Cohen, wearing a Mets cap and blue vest. "They’re in good spirits. I was hanging out with them in the pub. We were having a blast. The fans have been through worse. We’re trying to break that history. They’re great, and they’re certainly going to be there for the team."

New York has won just two World Series titles, in 1969 and 1986. Cohen, who took over from the Wilpon and Katz families, said the Mets are improving institutionally and decision-making has become "a lot sharper." David Stearns was hired as president of baseball operations in October after running Milwaukee's baseball operations for seven years through 2022.

"I have a great deal of respect for David," Cohen said. "He comes from a winning club, he’s demonstrated success in the past, well-respected in baseball. I like what I see but unfortunately it's going to take time."

Mendoza