Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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New York Mets owner Steve Cohen stated that he will never allow the team to have a designated team captain as long as he owns the franchise. Cohen believes the locker room dynamic should organically develop each season rather than having a single player serve as the team’s leader.

Why it matters

The Mets have not had a team captain since the Cohen era began, which is a departure from the longtime Yankees tradition of having a designated team leader like Derek Jeter. Cohen’s stance could impact how the Mets’ clubhouse culture evolves and how the team’s top stars, like Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto, establish their roles.

The details

Cohen made the comments on the first day of the Mets’ full-squad spring training workouts. He believes the locker room dynamic should be left to the players to determine each year rather than having a permanent team captain. The Mets have alternated between making and missing the playoffs during Cohen’s tenure as owner, and he expressed frustration over the team’s 40-year World Series drought since their last title in 1986.

The Mets are heading into their third season under manager Carlos Mendoza.The team is celebrating the 40th anniversary of their 1986 World Series championship.
The players

Steve Cohen

The owner of the New York Mets who has stated he will never allow the team to have a designated team captain.

Pete Alonso

A popular slugger who the Mets parted ways with before the 2026 season.

Edwin Diaz

The Mets’ star closer who was traded away before the 2026 season.

Francisco Lindor

One of the Mets’ biggest stars who could have been a candidate for team captain under a different owner.

Juan Soto

Another top Mets star who could have been a candidate for team captain under a different owner.

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What they’re saying

“As long as I’m owning the team, there will never be a team captain. That was my decision. My view is the locker room is unique. And let the locker room sort it out, year in, year out.”

— Steve Cohen, Owner, New York Mets (foxsports.com)

The takeaway

Cohen’s stance on not having a team captain could shape the Mets’ clubhouse culture and leadership dynamics for years to come, as the team continues its quest to end a 40-year World Series drought.