Steve Cohen’s explanation for Carlos Correa contract is straight out of Richie Rich

New York Mets owner Steve Cohen gave an honest explanation as to why he spent more money than he had planned for Carlos Correa.

New York Mets owner Steve Cohen has been spending money this offseason to ensure his team has a shot to win the World Series in the very near future. Justin Verlander, David Robertson, Brandon Nimmo, and Kodai Senga. There was nothing else the Mets could do, right?

Well on early Monday morning, the Mets signed Carlos Correa to a 12-year, $315 million contract to play third base alongside shortstop Francisco Lindor. This occurred right after the San Francisco Giants, who agreed to terms with Correa on a 13-year, $350 million contract, canceled a scheduled press conference due to a medical issue that popped up in his physical. Cohen swooped in and negotiated a deal with Correa’s agent, Scott Boras, while he was in Hawaii.

Cohen spoke to Jon Heyman of the New York Post about signing Correa, where he was asked about spending a little more over his $300 million price range. His answer was honest.

Steve Cohen explains paying more than target price for Carlos Correa

“In the end, what the [heck’s] the difference. If you’re trying to make a move, you make the move,” Cohen told Heyman. “If it’s [a few percent] more, what’s the difference?”

That extra money is worth it in the long run for Cohen. He has built a legitimate World Series contender. Now, he got one of the top four shortstops in free agency on a long-term deal, and he will be playing third in Queens.

With the team’s additions and retentions (Nimmo and Edwin Diaz), the Mets have spent over $800 million in total money on contracts this offseason. That, and the Mets are expected to have a pre-tax payroll of $381.21 million and luxury taxes worth $108.789 million, per the New York Post.

This past season, Correa recorded a .291 batting average, .366 on-base percentage, a.467 slugging percentage, 22 home runs, 64 RBI, 70 runs scored, and 152 hits in 136 games.

Money is obviously no issue for Cohen, as he looks to bring the Mets their first World Series title since 1986. On paper, they sure do look like the favorites heading into the 2023 season.