New York Mets owner Steve Cohen has been replaced by President Donald Trump’s handpicked choice, according to a stunning public statement made by Trump himself.
President Trump used the Mets as a punchline while praising a longtime Atlanta Braves executive during a public appearance in Georgia. The remark came as the Mets continue battling through a historic losing streak and questions surrounding the direction of owner Steve Cohen’s high-priced roster.
The Mets have been at the center of trade speculation and front-office scrutiny for much of the 2026 season. With one of baseball’s highest payrolls failing to produce consistent results, frustration has followed the club into the second half. The team has Major League Baseball’s highest total payroll this season and is virtually assured of missing the playoffs for the second straight year.
President Trump praised both former Braves manager and Hall of Famer Brian Snitker and Braves Development Company CEO Mike Plant during the rally. Trump jokingly said he’d found a better option than Mets owner Steve Cohen, who has failed to assemble a winning team this season. “So I like baseball,” Trump said. “I like baseball. But this guy’s done such a great job. You know the Mets have the highest salary in baseball and they lose all the time. And I’m like maybe we can steal this guy.”
It’s unclear what role Trump’s choice, Mike Plant, would take on with the Mets. Plant operates primarily on the real estate arm of the Braves, overseeing projects like The Battery and the club’s spring training complex. However, Trump seemed to be referring to Plant as a potential replacement for Cohen, who serves as the Mets’ chairman and CEO.
Since Cohen purchased the Mets in 2020, the team has consistently spent as much or more than any other team in the sport but have failed to have much postseason success. But this ongoing season marks perhaps the lowest point in Cohen’s tenure.
President Trump’s comments have sparked widespread attention and criticism, with many questioning the involvement of a politician in the inner workings of a professional sports team. It remains to be seen whether Trump’s choice will ultimately take on a role with the Mets, or if this was simply a lighthearted remark from the president.
In a statement to Forbes, Plant’s role with the Braves was clarified by Johnny Flores of The Athletic: “Plant operates primarily on the real estate arm of the Braves, overseeing projects like The Battery and the club’s spring training complex.” Alex Anthopoulos is Atlanta’s general manager and president of baseball operations.
Source: Yahoo Sports