Mets Aim to End 40-Year World Series Drought

Offseason retooling has the team poised for a deep October run.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:24am

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The New York Mets, owned by billionaire Steve Cohen, are hoping their offseason spending spree of over $375 million will help the team end its 40-year World Series championship drought. The team gave away replica 1986 World Series rings to fans as a reminder of their last title, but also as motivation to finally win another.

Why it matters

The Mets play in the biggest media market in baseball, so their championship drought has been especially glaring. After years of financial constraints, Cohen has given the team the resources to build a roster capable of going deep into the playoffs and potentially winning the franchise's first World Series since 1986.

The details

The Mets made several high-profile free agent signings in the offseason, including a record-breaking contract for pitcher Justin Verlander. The team is hoping this retooled roster can erase the memory of their disappointing 2025 season and lead them to their first World Series title in four decades.

  • The Mets last won the World Series in 1986.
  • The team gave away replica 1986 World Series rings to fans at Citi Field on March 28, 2026.

The players

Steve Cohen

The billionaire owner of the New York Mets who has invested over $375 million to build a roster capable of winning the World Series.

Justin Verlander

The star pitcher who signed a record-breaking contract with the Mets in the offseason as part of the team's efforts to retool the roster.

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What they’re saying

“The ring is also a reminder about the season's goal. It's not just to beat last year, which would be an especially low bar. It's to go deep into October, and to accomplish that the Mets spent liberally this offseason.”

— Jon Heyman, Sports Columnist

What’s next

The Mets will open the 2026 season on April 1 against the Washington Nationals, as they look to take the first step towards ending their World Series drought.

The takeaway

After years of financial constraints, the Mets' new billionaire owner Steve Cohen has given the team the resources to build a roster capable of winning the franchise's first World Series title in 40 years. The team's offseason spending spree has raised expectations, and the Mets will be under pressure to deliver a championship for their long-suffering fans.