Steve Cohen would be 'disappointed' if Mets don't make playoffs

Steve Cohen spoke with reporters before the Mets season opener on Friday afternoon, and made it clear that despite the team's quieter offseason, he expects this group to be contending for a playoff spot come the end of the regular season.

"We knew there were some constraints given contracts we're paying for that run off at the end of this year or next year…at some point, everyone's got a budget," Cohen said. "But generally, I'm really pleased at what we've created. The depth on this team, the defense is gonna be so much better…our bullpen is deeper, and to play over 162 games, you need that. It's a marathon, not a spring. I think we've built a club that's gonna be there in September

"I think the goal is to make the playoffs. Pretty simple. Let's not overthink this. If we don't make the playoffs, obviously I'd be disappointed."

The Mets missed the playoffs last season with much higher expectations, but Cohen likes the moves made in year one of the David Stearns era, even if they aren't as flashy as signing a Max Scherzer or Justin Verlander. He expects his team to be competitive in the here and now, but also believes the organization is finally perfecting a process that will elevate them from competitors to sustained contenders for years to come.

"We gotta win at some point," Cohen said. "I think the goal is to make the playoffs and be there year in and year out. I think we're gonna, over time, accomplish that. I think what we're building here is something that's sustainable…I'm encouraged by what we're developing and how we're making our players better in the farm system, and up here too. There's a lot of stuff going on organizational-wise that is I think the type of stuff that creates an elite team."