Former New York Mets general manager Zack Scott has remarked that he and owner Steve Cohen encountered a workforce marked by “culture-related PTSD” when Cohen acquired the Mets from the Wilpon family in 2020. Scott, speaking on his Deconstructing Champions podcast released on March 28, observed that the atmosphere hinted at significant trauma, possibly stemming from financial strains exacerbated by the Bernie Madoff scandal. Under the Wilpon regime, he noted, there was a reluctance to invest adequately, both in terms of player acquisitions and staff support.
Scott, who had previously worked with the Boston Red Sox for 17 seasons, joined the Mets as assistant general manager and senior vice president in December 2020 under Cohen’s ownership. Following the dismissal of GM Jared Porter in January 2021 due to misconduct, Scott was promoted to acting general manager.
Reflecting on the Mets under the Wilpons, Scott described a reputation of dysfunctionality, characterized by numerous influential but sometimes uninformed voices, including Jeff Wilpon’s, who was often present in meetings. Despite not personally knowing Jeff Wilpon, Scott had gathered insights into the dynamics within the organization from discussions with Mets personnel.
Has The Mets Culture Changed Under Steve Cohen?
Criticism towards former Mets owners Fred and Jeff Wilpon has indeed become common, with the spotlight now on new owner Steve Cohen. Cohen’s tenure has seen the Mets ascend to the upper echelons of MLB’s payroll rankings. However, this financial investment has yet to translate into significant on-field success. The team has endured two losing seasons in Cohen’s three full seasons of ownership and has stumbled to a 1-5 start in the current season. Moreover, Cohen’s management has been marked by several unsuccessful executive appointments.
The first misstep came with the hiring of Jared Porter in December 2020, who was swiftly dismissed following a texting scandal. Porter’s replacement, Zack Scott, faced a similar fate after only a year, being terminated by the Mets subsequent to his arrest on charges of driving while intoxicated. These incidents highlight the challenges and setbacks faced by the Mets under Cohen’s ownership, despite the significant financial resources at his disposal.
In the early morning hours of August 31, 2021, police discovered Zack Scott asleep at the wheel. He declined to take a breathalyzer test, and it was noted that he had attended a fundraiser at Steve Cohen’s residence in Connecticut earlier that night. However, in January 2022, Scott was acquitted of the DUI charges by a judge.
Mets Now Without a GM After Three Steve Cohen Hires
“On his podcast, amidst the Mets’ disappointing 1-5 start to the season, Zack Scott mentioned that one positive aspect of Steve Cohen’s ownership is his commitment to hiring top-tier talent. Despite the dismissals of both Porter and himself, Scott highlighted Cohen’s belief in investing in skilled individuals.
Following the departures of Porter and Scott, the Mets appointed Billy Eppler as their general manager in November 2021. However, Eppler resigned from his position in October 2023 amidst an MLB investigation into his alleged misuse of the league’s injured list. As a result of violating injured list regulations, MLB placed Eppler on its ineligible list for the 2024 season. With three unsuccessful attempts at filling the general manager role, the Mets currently have a vacant position. David Stearns, former GM of the Milwaukee Brewers, was brought on as the Mets’ president of baseball operations last year and has stated that the team will not be hiring a GM for the 2024 season.”
