Steve Cohen Stands Firm: Why Firing Stearns Is Off the Table

Updated July 1, 2026 10 min read

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Steve Cohen Stands Firm: Why Firing Stearns Is Off the Table for the Mets

TL;DR: New York Mets owner Steve Cohen has publicly declared he will not fire president of baseball operations David Stearns, even as the team’s 2026 season continues to disappoint. Cohen’s unwavering support signals a commitment to long-term organizational stability over short-term reactionary moves, a stance that has drawn both praise and criticism from the Mets fanbase and media.

Mets owner Steve Cohen has firmly rejected calls to dismiss David Stearns from his role as the team’s president of baseball operations, declaring in recent statements that firing Stearns is “not gonna do it.” As the 2026 season continues to fall short of expectations, Cohen’s declaration reinforces his belief in Stearns’ long-term vision for the franchise despite mounting frustration among fans and media critics.

Quick Answer

Steve Cohen, owner of the New York Mets, has publicly stated he will not fire David Stearns as president of baseball operations despite the team’s disappointing 2026 season. Cohen expressed full confidence in Stearns’ ability to steer the franchise, emphasizing that organizational patience and a long-term strategic approach matter more than reactive decisions during a rough stretch.

Key Takeaways

Steve Cohen publicly confirmed he will not fire David Stearns despite a disappointing Mets season in 2026.
Cohen emphasized his belief in Stearns’ long-term vision and the importance of organizational stability.
David Stearns has expressed confidence that he retains Cohen’s full support as the season continues to spiral.
The Mets’ struggles have intensified fan and media scrutiny on the front office’s decision-making.
Cohen’s stance reflects a broader philosophy of resisting knee-jerk reactions in favor of strategic patience.

Why Did Steve Cohen Publicly Back David Stearns?

Steve Cohen’s public declaration of support for David Stearns came in response to growing speculation about Stearns’ future with the organization. As the Mets’ 2026 campaign has produced results well below preseason expectations, calls from fans and pundits to shake up the front office reached a fever pitch. Cohen addressed these concerns directly, making clear that Stearns’ job security is not in question.

According to reports from ESPN and the New York Post, Cohen framed his support as a matter of principle rather than a blind endorsement. The billionaire owner, who purchased the Mets in November 2020, has consistently stated that sustainable success requires patience and continuity in leadership. Cohen views Stearns as the architect of a long-term plan that should not be derailed by a single underwhelming season.

What Did Cohen Say About Stearns’ Future?

Cohen’s exact words on the matter left little room for ambiguity. In addressing the media, the Mets owner stated plainly that firing Stearns is “not gonna do it,” rejecting the notion that a front office shakeup would solve the team’s on-field problems. Industry data indicates that this level of public commitment from an owner is relatively uncommon during losing seasons, where reactionary moves tend to dominate ownership responses.

According to theScore, Cohen’s remarks came during a period when the Mets’ record had fallen significantly below .500, making the declaration all the more notable. Rather than deflecting or offering vague platitudes, Cohen chose to put his support for Stearns on the record in definitive terms.

Why the 2026 Season Has Been So Frustrating for Mets Fans

The Mets entered the 2026 season with legitimate expectations of competing for a postseason berth. After investing heavily in the roster during the previous offseason, many analysts projected the Mets as contenders in the National League East. However, the team has struggled to find consistency on both sides of the ball, leading to widespread frustration.

According to ESPN’s Mets coverage, several factors have contributed to the team’s underperformance. Injuries to key players, inconsistent pitching, and offensive slumps have combined to produce a record that falls well short of the franchise’s ambitions. These struggles have placed a spotlight on the front office, with fans questioning roster construction and player development decisions.

What Are the Main Issues Behind the Mets’ Struggles?

Research shows that the Mets’ problems in 2026 have been multifaceted rather than attributable to a single cause. Key contributors include:

Injury concerns: Multiple starters and key position players have missed significant time due to injuries.
Rotation instability: The starting rotation has not performed to the level expected given its payroll investment.
Bullpen inconsistency: Late-game leads have slipped away frequently, turning potential wins into losses.
Offensive inconsistency: The lineup has struggled to produce runs consistently, particularly in high-leverage situations.
Defensive lapses: Fielding errors and poor defensive execution have compounded other issues.

David Stearns’ Track Record as Mets President

David Stearns joined the Mets as president of baseball operations ahead of the 2024 season, arriving with an impressive résumé built during his tenure with the Milwaukee Brewers. As the architect of multiple playoff teams in Milwaukee, Stearns earned a reputation as one of the sharpest minds in baseball operations. His hiring was widely praised as a coup for the Mets organization.

According to SNY, Stearns believes he retains Cohen’s full confidence and continues to operate with the authority and trust necessary to execute his vision for the franchise. This mutual confidence between owner and president of baseball operations is a critical factor in the Mets’ organizational stability.

How Has Stearns Shaped the Mets Roster?

Since taking over, Stearns has overseen significant roster turnover and strategic shifts in how the Mets approach player acquisition. His methods include a focus on data-driven decision-making, player development, and balancing short-term competitiveness with long-term sustainability. While results have not always been immediate, Stearns’ approach aligns with the modern trend across Major League Baseball of investing in organizational depth rather than relying solely on high-priced free agents.

Mets Front Office Decision	Outcome	Assessment
Offseason roster construction	Mixed results on the field	Expectations were high; performance has lagged
Player development investments	Prospect pipeline improving	Long-term assets are developing
Coaching staff selections	Under scrutiny this season	In-game management questioned by fans
Mid-season trade deadline strategy	Pending decisions	Key test of Stearns’ long-term vs. short-term balance

The Case for Patience: Why Cohen’s Approach Makes Sense

Industry data from Major League Baseball shows that franchises that maintain organizational stability during difficult seasons tend to perform better over the long term than those that cycle through front office leadership. Research conducted across MLB ownership groups indicates that the average tenure of a successful general manager or president of baseball operations significantly exceeds that of one dismissed during a losing season.

Cohen’s refusal to fire Stearns aligns with this data-driven perspective. By maintaining continuity, Cohen preserves the strategic framework that Stearns has built and avoids the disruption that comes with installing new leadership mid-stream. A new executive would likely need to overhaul systems, relationships, and plans already in development, potentially setting the franchise back further.

What Would Firing Stearns Accomplish?

Many baseball analysts have argued that dismissing Stearns would accomplish little beyond satisfying short-term frustration. Without evidence that the front office’s underlying strategy is fundamentally flawed, removing Stearns would introduce uncertainty and instability at a time when the organization needs cohesion. According to multiple reports, even critics of the team’s performance acknowledge that the roster has the talent to compete, suggesting the problems may be more situational than structural.

The Case Against Cohen’s Decision: Why Some Fans Want Change

Despite Cohen’s public backing, a segment of the Mets fanbase remains convinced that change is necessary. These fans point to specific decisions made by Stearns and his staff that they believe have contributed to the team’s struggles. From free-agent signings that have not panned out to perceived mismanagement of the pitching staff, critics argue that accountability should extend to the front office.

According to the New York Post’s reporting, the tension between Cohen’s loyalty and fan frustration has created a delicate dynamic. While Cohen’s support for Stearns is firm in the present, history shows that even the most committed ownership groups can shift their stance if losing continues over an extended period.

What Are Fans Most Frustrated About?

Payroll-to-performance gap: The Mets carry one of baseball’s highest payrolls but have not received commensurate on-field results.
Roster depth concerns: Injuries have exposed a lack of organizational depth that fans expected the front office to address.
Strategic decisions: Certain in-game and roster decisions have drawn criticism from both fans and media members.
Communication: Some fans feel the front office has not been transparent enough about the team’s direction.

What This Means for the Rest of the 2026 Season

With Cohen’s public declaration settling the question of Stearns’ immediate future, the focus shifts to what the Mets can do to salvage the remainder of the 2026 season. The trade deadline looms as a critical decision point, where Stearns will need to balance the temptation to acquire immediate help with the discipline to protect the team’s long-term assets.

According to ESPN’s analysis, Cohen’s backing gives Stearns the freedom to make decisions based on strategy rather than self-preservation. This is a significant advantage, as executives who are fighting to keep their jobs often make short-sighted moves that hurt the franchise in the long run. Stearns can approach the deadline with clarity, knowing his position is secure.

How Will Stearns Approach the Trade Deadline?

With his job secure, Stearns faces a critical decision at the trade deadline. He can choose to be a seller, trading expiring contracts and veteran players for prospects to strengthen the farm system. Alternatively, he could take a measured approach, making targeted acquisitions that address specific weaknesses without mortgaging the future. According to industry observers, the latter approach appears more consistent with the organizational philosophy Cohen has endorsed.

How Does Cohen’s Stance Compare to Other MLB Owners?

Cohen’s willingness to publicly support his front office executive during a losing season stands out in Major League Baseball. Many owners prefer to remain silent or offer measured, non-committal statements during periods of team struggle. Cohen’s directness is consistent with his ownership style since purchasing the team — vocal, transparent, and unafraid to share his perspective publicly.

Owner	Team	Approach During Struggles
Steve Cohen	New York Mets	Publicly backed front office; emphasized patience
John Fisher	Las Vegas Athletics	Criticism of long-term underinvestment
Doug Melvin/Mark Attanasio (Brewers)	Milwaukee Brewers	Historically patient with front office transitions
Typical MLB pattern	Various	Quiet period followed by potential front office changes

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Steve Cohen fire David Stearns?

No. Steve Cohen has publicly stated that he will not fire David Stearns as the Mets’ president of baseball operations. Cohen made this declaration despite the team’s disappointing 2026 season, expressing full confidence in Stearns’ ability to lead the franchise.

Why is Steve Cohen supporting David Stearns?

Steve Cohen supports David Stearns because he believes in the long-term vision Stearns has established for the Mets organization. Cohen views continuity in leadership as essential to building a sustainable winning franchise and has rejected the idea of making reactionary changes during a difficult season.

How are Mets fans reacting to Cohen’s decision?

Reactions among Mets fans are divided. Many appreciate Cohen’s commitment to stability and trust in the process, while others believe the front office should face accountability for the team’s underperformance. The split reflects broader debates about patience versus urgency in professional sports.

What is David Stearns’ role with the New York Mets?

David Stearns serves as the president of baseball operations for the New York Mets. He oversees all aspects of the baseball side of the organization, including roster construction, scouting, player development, and strategic decision-making. Stearns previously held a similar role with the Milwaukee Brewers, where he built multiple playoff teams.

Could the Mets still make changes despite Cohen’s comments?

While Cohen has ruled out firing Stearns, other organizational changes remain possible. These could include adjustments to coaching staff, changes in strategic approach, or shifts in how the team handles the trade deadline. Cohen’s comments specifically addressed Stearns’ position, not every aspect of the organization.

What happens if the Mets continue to lose in 2026?

Even with Cohen’s current backing, prolonged losing could eventually test the owner’s patience. However, industry analysts note that Cohen’s public commitment to Stearns makes a sudden reversal less likely. The Mets are expected to evaluate the season holistically rather than reacting to short-term results alone.

Conclusion

Steve Cohen’s decision to stand firmly behind David Stearns amid the Mets’ disappointing 2026 season reflects a commitment to organizational stability and long-term thinking over reactionary decision-making. While fan frustration is understandable given the team’s payroll and expectations, Cohen’s public declaration provides Stearns with the security and clarity needed to make strategic decisions moving forward.

As the trade deadline approaches and the season continues to unfold, all eyes will be on how Stearns and Cohen navigate the remaining months. Their partnership, now publicly affirmed, will define the trajectory of the New York Mets not just for 2026 but for years to come. For more information, see our guide on Steve Cohen’s ownership history with the New York Mets.