MLB commissioner insists Steve Cohen's lavish spending spree is a good thing for baseball

The commissioner of MLB has no problem with New York Mets owner Steve Cohen's lavish spending. Rob Manfred, who has been the league's commissioner since taking over from Bud Selig in 2015, is all for money coming into the game.

The Mets, along with the San Diego Padres and New York Yankees, were the big spenders during the offseason. Steve Cohen has been aggressive in the market and has added a handful of highly rated players to his roster. While many believe the owner is doing what is best for his team, others have argued it is creating an insurmountable disparty in the game.

Manfred recently added his two cents to the debate:

"Steve wants to win, that’s a good thing"

In a recent article in the New York Post, the long-serving MLB commissioner went on to say that a salary cap may not necessarily be the answer. Manfred discussed the issue on an episode of the podcast "The Show."

"Rob Manfred: Mets’ payroll only 'emphasizes' MLB’s spending-gap problem https://trib.al/666Qb17" - New York Post Sports

Per Spotrac, the Mets' luxury tax payroll has ballooned to just over $375 million. Their total payroll is more than 65 million over that of the second-placed Yankees. To put that into perspective, the Oakland Athletics, Baltimore Orioles, Pittsburgh Pirates, Tampa Bay Rays and Cincinnati Reds combined have a lower total payroll.

Unlike the NBA, NFL and NHL, Major League Baseball has resisted implementing a salary cap.

Steve Cohen and the New York Mets have invested heavily in the club's roster during the offseason

Pitcher Justin Verlander of the New York Mets general manager Billy Eppler and his agent Mark Pieper during his introductory press conference at Citi Field

After losing out to the San Diego Padres in the playoffs, Steve Cohen wasted no time in padding an already talented roster.

Starting pitcher Justin Verlander is the headline signing. He agreed to a two-year, $86.6 million deal with the club. The three-time Cy Young winner recently won a World Series with the Houston Astros. He finished the 2022 season with a phenomenal 18-4 record and a 1.75 ERA.

"'They laid down the rules and I'm following them.' Steve Cohen was asked about other owners possibly taking issue with how much money the Mets have spent in the offseason:" - SNY

The Mets also signed pitchers Kodai Senga, Jose Quintana and Dave Robertson. On the offensive front, catcher Omar Narvaez and outfielder Tommy Pham were added to the roster.

Outfielder Brandon Nimmo and closer Edwin Diaz were both extended to long-term deals.

Many executives and even some players have come out in support of Steve Cohen's aggressive strategy. Until MLB changes the rules, the owner is within his rights to invest whatever he wants in his team. Some, however, still believe the league needs to do more to create a level playing field.