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Port St. Lucie Today
By the People, for the People
Mets Owner Steve Cohen Bans Team Captains
Cohen says he'll never allow a team captain as long as he owns the Mets
Published on Feb. 17, 2026
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New York Mets owner Steve Cohen says he will never allow the team to have a captain as long as he owns the franchise. Cohen believes the locker room should be left to the players to sort out leadership roles each season rather than designating a permanent captain. The Mets are coming off a disappointing 2023 season and are looking to rebound with a revamped roster that includes new additions like Bo Bichette and Freddy Peralta.
Why it matters
The Mets' decision to forego a team captain is an unconventional move in Major League Baseball, where captains are often seen as important leaders and symbols of a franchise. Cohen's stance could have implications for how the Mets' clubhouse dynamic evolves and whether it impacts the development of star players like Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto.
The details
Cohen said his view is that the locker room should be left to the players to figure out leadership roles each year, rather than designating 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 lack of a World Series title since 1986. Despite missing out on top free agent Kyle Tucker, the Mets have made several offseason moves to revamp their roster, including the signings of Bo Bichette and the trade for Freddy Peralta.
- The Mets are heading into their third season under manager Carlos Mendoza.
- The Mets are set to break ground on a new player development complex at their spring training home in Port St. Lucie.
The players
Steve Cohen
The owner of the New York Mets who has decided the team will never have a team captain as long as he is in charge.
Bo Bichette
A free agent the Mets signed this offseason to help revamp their roster.
Freddy Peralta
An All-Star pitcher the Mets acquired via trade this offseason to bolster their pitching staff.
Francisco Lindor
One of the Mets' biggest star players who could be impacted by the team's decision to not have a captain.
Juan Soto
Another one of the Mets' star players who could be impacted by the team's decision to not have a captain.
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 (wbal.com)
“I just was in that locker room and in the meeting and I sense an energy that really is exciting. These are new faces, fresh faces that I think our fans are really going to enjoy watch playing. It's different. And I think we'll play a different type of baseball, and I think that's great.”
— Steve Cohen, Owner, New York Mets (wbal.com)
What’s next
The Mets are set to break ground on a new 55,000-square-foot player development complex at their spring training home in Port St. Lucie.
The takeaway
Steve Cohen's decision to ban team captains in the Mets' clubhouse is an unconventional move that could have significant implications for the team's leadership and chemistry as they look to end their World Series drought that dates back to 1986.
