New York Mets owner Steve Cohen may have lost out on the Kyle Tucker sweepstakes, but he isn’t backing down from spending big on high-level free agents.
Anthony DiComo, Mets beat writer for MLB.com, quoted Cohen admitting the Los Angeles Dodgers have built a high-level franchise, but he indicated he’s not intimidated.
“They’re formidable,” DiComo shared on social media. “They have the ability to spend. So do I, by the way.”
The Dodgers have taken some criticism in recent years over their spending to acquire big-name free agents like Shohei Ohtani and Tucker.
Jan 21, 2026; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers right fielder Kyle Tucker (23) is introduced to the media during a news conference at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
The $240 million contract for Tucker in particular has renewed interest in a possible salary cap in Major League Baseball, which is the only major North American sports league without one.
Mets Missed on Tucker but Got Their Own Big-Time Signing
Cohen has admitted he wanted to sign Tucker this offseason and was “annoyed” the team failed to land the prized outfielder.
The Mets also lost closer Edwin Díaz to the Dodgers, though they were able to sign infielder Bo Bichette, whom the Dodgers had targeted.
Feb 13, 2026; Glendale, AZ, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers pitcher Edwin Diaz (3) throws in the bullpen during spring training camp. Mandatory Credit: Rick Scuteri-Imagn Images
In an interview with Mets broadcaster Howie Rose, Cohen has made the case that the team ultimately is better off with Bichette over Tucker.
“Frankly, once it was all done, and we got Bo to come to the Mets, (I) actually feel Bo might be a better fit for the team,” said Cohen, as reported by Tim Britton for The Athletic. “So I think things worked out for the best.”
Players Support the Dodgers’ Spending Strategy
While fans and owners of other teams might feel like the Dodgers are bad for baseball, current players — even those who face off against the Boys in Blue regularly — love what the team is doing.
“I f—ing love it,” San Diego Padre and former Dodger Manny Machado said of the Dodgers’ spending. “Every team should be doing it. …S— is f—ing great for the game. So I think every team has the ability to do it, so I hope all 30 teams can learn from that.”
Bryce Harper of the Philadelphia Phillies echoed that sentiment.
“I love what the Dodgers do, obviously,” Harper said. “They pay the money, they spend the money. I mean, they’re a great team. They understand how to run it. They run their team like a business, and they run it the right way. They understand where they need to put their money into.”
LA Baseball Report
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