Mets Owner Steve Cohen Rejects Naming Team Captain

Cohen believes the locker room should determine leadership organically.

Published on Feb. 16, 2026

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New York Mets owner Steve Cohen has made it clear that the team will not be naming an official team captain anytime soon, despite past speculation that players like Francisco Lindor or Pete Alonso could fill the role. Cohen believes the leadership in the locker room should develop organically without an official designation.

Why it matters

The Mets have not had an official team captain since David Wright retired in 2018. Naming a new captain was seen by some as a way to provide clear leadership for the team, especially after recent clubhouse issues. However, Cohen prefers to let the players determine their own leadership structure.

The details

While players like Lindor, Alonso, and Brandon Nimmo were viewed as potential captains in recent years, the Mets have not followed through on naming an official team captain. Cohen stated that "the locker room is unique, and let the locker room sort it out year in and year out" and that "there will never be a captain" under his ownership. This is a departure from the previous Mets regime, which was more open to the idea of naming a team captain.

  • In February 2026, Mets owner Steve Cohen addressed the possibility of naming a team captain.
  • Last February, Mets manager Carlos Mendoza revealed he had discussions about eventually naming Francisco Lindor the team captain.
  • A since-deleted MLB.com video from last summer suggested the Mets were preparing to name Lindor the team's first captain since David Wright retired after the 2018 season.

The players

Steve Cohen

The owner of the New York Mets who has stated the team will not be naming an official team captain.

Francisco Lindor

The Mets' star shortstop who was viewed by many as a potential team captain.

Pete Alonso

The former Mets first baseman who was also mentioned as a possible team captain before signing with the Baltimore Orioles.

Brandon Nimmo

The popular Mets outfielder who was traded to the Texas Rangers this past fall.

Carlos Mendoza

The Mets manager who revealed he had discussions about naming Lindor the team captain.

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What they’re saying

“My view is the locker room is unique, and let the locker room sort it out year in and year out. There will never be a captain.”

— Steve Cohen, Mets Owner (NorthJersey.com)

“Having a captain in baseball doesn't happen often. It's actually unusual. Whatever previous ownership did, that was their way of doing things. I look at things differently.”

— Steve Cohen, Mets Owner (NorthJersey.com)

The takeaway

Under Steve Cohen's ownership, the Mets are taking a different approach to team leadership, preferring to let the players organically determine their own leadership structure rather than naming an official team captain. This marks a shift from the previous Mets regime, which was more open to the idea of designating a team captain.