"They putting some pieces together; Francisco Lindor, Juan Soto, they got those" - Mets HOFer predicts Steve Cohen's team recreating 1980s glory days

The New York Mets had an inspired second half of the season in 2024 that saw them push the Los Angeles Dodgers to the brink in the National League Championship Series.

However they fell short against the eventual World Series winners in the NLDS, ending their dream of a three World Series title. Steve Cohen's team made a statement of their ambitions by signing Juan Soto to a record-breaking $765 million after the 2024 season.

Former World Series winner and Mets icon Darryl Strawberry joined WFAN's Joe Benigno and Sal Licat on the inaugural "Amazin' Day" at Citi Field to discuss the current Mets roster replicating the success of the 80s team.

He said (9:50 onwards):

"I think they have a lot of talent. I went to Spring Training last year, I'm going to go down Spring Training this year with them. They got a lot of young talent that's going to be coming up and that's what's going to make the difference. Because that's really what's important. That's the longevity of your franchise and I think they're headed in that direction.

"They can be what the Atlanta Braves are. It's about having, like I said, you gotta blend it in. Yes, they have a chance to be that, you know, now that they are putting some pieces together like Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto, they got those, and hopefully, you know, Pete Alonso will come back and be a big part of what they do going forward and put your young players in there and let them be."

Strawberry was drafted by the Mets in 1980 and made his MLB debut in 1983, winning the NL Rookie of the Year title that season. He helped the Mets to their second and last World Series title in 1986. He won two more World Series rings with cross town rivals the New York Yankees.

Mets owner Steve Cohen gets honest on Pete Alonso negotiations

While Darryl Strawberry is hoping All-Star first baseman Pete Alonso returns to the Mets to conclude his prolonged free agency, owner Steve Cohen was brutally honest with the team's negotiations with Alonso in the offseason.

"We made a significant offer to Pete,” Cohen said. “I don’t like the structures that are being presented back to us. It’s highly asymmetric against us. And I feel strongly about it. I will never say no. There’s always the possibility.

Cohen's words were a reflection of what the Mets thought about Pete Alonso and his agent, Scott Boras, who reportedly turned down the team's final offer of three years in the $68-70 million range.

It seems like the Mets are unwilling to bow to the demands of Boras and his client and any potential deal with the team will be likely on Cohen's terms with Spring Training looming.