Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez, and Ron Darling spoke all things Mets baseball

February 2026 – Drew University continued its 2025-26 Drew Forum speaker series by welcoming New York Mets broadcasters Gary Cohen, Keith Hernandez, and Ron Darling to the Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC).

The event was generously sponsored by the Blanche and Irving Laurie Foundation.

In a conversation with Drew President Hilary L. Link, PhD, the trio of SNY broadcasters discussed all things Mets baseball, from the team’s offseason moves to 2026 expectations and more.

Keep reading for the top takeaways from the sold-out event.

Keith on signing Bo Bichette:

“I don’t think Bichette’s going to have a problem moving to third—because you know me, I’m all defense and all fundamentals. He’s a shortstop. He’s an athlete. He’s going to bring energy and I think that’s what this team needs, someone who brings energy like him. He doesn’t strike out. He led the league with hits with runners in scoring position last season. Batting average. He’s a clutch hitter. He goes the other way with two strikes. He’s a tough out. I feel that he’s going to be not only a great addition on the field but in the clubhouse and he’s going to be an energetic player. I think his transition is going to be wonderful.”

Gary on losing Edwin Diaz:

“The one that really hurt, to me, was Edwin Diaz because I think they really messed that up. I think they could have had him if they had been more aggressive with their offer. But once that happened, I think they put together a game plan and I like the way they executed it. I like the fact they’ve got multiple guys who’ve closed games before. They might not have the same excitement as Diaz, but you might get just as good production.”

Ron on happened in the second half of 2025:

“It was all pitching. Every game was like Groundhog Day. We would go to the ballpark, we would prepare, and in the fourth inning the Mets would be down 6-2, and the game was over. Remember, the year prior, 100 things had to go right for that season to be special, and 98 went right. It was such a beautiful thing to broadcast and to watch, and last year was kind of the opposite. In a game that treasures exit velocity, treasures long home runs, it still comes down to: can you get people out?”

Mets, NL East, and MLB predictions for 2026:

Gary: “I think the Phillies have taken a step backward even though they re-signed Kyle Schwarber. I think losing Ranger Suarez is a big deal for them. They missed out on Bo Bichette, and they were very unhappy about that. I think the Braves are going to be much, much better. They had everything that could possibly go wrong for them last year go wrong. They did a great job of replenishing their bullpen. I think the Braves and the Mets will battle it out at the top of the National League East.”

Ron: “At some point you have to find a way to beat the Dodgers. Getting through that lineup is hard work. They are a juggernaut. They’re going to have to figure out a way to beat them, but the way the postseason works, anybody can beat anybody.”

Keith: “If the Mets don’t get into the playoffs, like last year, it’s a bad year. I think the Phillies really lost out on Bichette. That, to me, really was a dagger right there. And the Mets got him. That’s a big deal. The Mets will be competitive. It’s going to be a fun year to watch. Who’s going to win the division? Flip a coin, but they’ll be in the postseason this year. If not…boo hoo.”

At the event, President Link announced an addition to this year’s Drew Forum lineup—Rahm Emanuel. The former U.S. Ambassador to Japan, Mayor of Chicago, and Chief of Staff to President Barack Obama will join Drew as the Thomas H. Kean Visiting Professor during the spring semester and will take part in a Drew Forum event at MPAC on April 14. Tickets are available starting February 6.

The Drew Forum season will conclude the following week with journalist and best-selling author Douglas Murray on Monday, April 20. Tickets are on sale now.