Key Takeaways
- • Chris Russo ("Mad Dog") publicly blamed Mets owner Steve Cohen for organizational failures rather than General Manager David Stearns, directing fan frustration toward ownership's strategic decisions and payroll management in 2026.
- • Steve Cohen's 2026 payroll strategy faced significant fan backlash following the departure of star player Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz, with Cohen defending the team's financial approach amid criticism that ownership "turned its back" on fans.
- • Fan anger toward Cohen intensified over perceived cost-cutting measures and roster decisions, with critics characterizing the ownership as mismanaging the franchise despite Cohen's substantial financial resources.
- • Cohen addressed fan frustrations publicly, acknowledging why supporters felt disappointed after losing key players, while also expressing frustration with fans' attendance and engagement patterns (notably, anger over fans claiming free game tickets then not attending).
- • The growing controversy extended beyond baseball operations to include Cohen's personal conduct on social media, with reports that his family received threats during the period, prompting him to take a break from Twitter.
Summary
The New York Mets ownership situation deteriorated significantly in mid-September 2026 as prominent sports media personality Chris Russo ("Mad Dog") publicly shifted blame for the franchise's struggles from General Manager David Stearns to owner Steve Cohen. Russo's commentary reflected a broader pattern of fan anger directed at Cohen, particularly following the departure of star catcher Pete Alonso and pitcher Edwin Díaz during the 2026 offseason. This criticism centered on perceived cost-cutting measures and perceived mismanagement of the franchise's financial resources.
Cohen responded to the mounting criticism by defending the Mets' 2026 payroll strategy in direct fashion, acknowledging fan frustration while simultaneously expressing his own frustration with supporter behavior. Notably, Cohen expressed irritation with fans who claimed tickets to a free game promotion but subsequently failed to attend, indicating a tension between ownership expectations and fan engagement. The owner stated he understood the rationale behind fan disappointment given the loss of marquee roster players, yet his defensive posture escalated rather than defused the controversy.
The controversy extended beyond baseball operations into personal territory when reports emerged that Cohen's family received threats on social media amid the ongoing backlash. In response, Cohen withdrew from Twitter to create distance from the escalating conflict. The incident highlighted the intensity of fan frustration and the blurred boundaries between organizational criticism and personal attacks. Despite Cohen's substantial financial resources and demonstrated willingness to spend on the franchise, the 2026 season represented a clear disconnect between ownership's strategic vision and fan expectations, with critics characterizing Cohen's approach as a fundamental betrayal of the franchise's core supporters.
Cohen responded to the mounting criticism by defending the Mets' 2026 payroll strategy in direct fashion, acknowledging fan frustration while simultaneously expressing his own frustration with supporter behavior. Notably, Cohen expressed irritation with fans who claimed tickets to a free game promotion but subsequently failed to attend, indicating a tension between ownership expectations and fan engagement. The owner stated he understood the rationale behind fan disappointment given the loss of marquee roster players, yet his defensive posture escalated rather than defused the controversy.
The controversy extended beyond baseball operations into personal territory when reports emerged that Cohen's family received threats on social media amid the ongoing backlash. In response, Cohen withdrew from Twitter to create distance from the escalating conflict. The incident highlighted the intensity of fan frustration and the blurred boundaries between organizational criticism and personal attacks. Despite Cohen's substantial financial resources and demonstrated willingness to spend on the franchise, the 2026 season represented a clear disconnect between ownership's strategic vision and fan expectations, with critics characterizing Cohen's approach as a fundamental betrayal of the franchise's core supporters.
Go deeper than the headline
Research every firm in this story, track the ones that matter and get the daily briefing — free for 7 days.