Mets’ owner Steve Cohen is not afraid to go over the luxury tax if needed

The New York Mets are comfortably in first place of the NL East division, which was one of the objectives of new owner Steve Cohen when he took control of the team in the offseason. They have managed to navigate through a myriad of injuries and have the chance to pull away as they get healthier.

Cohen met with some media members on Sunday to discuss the Mets’ plan for the trade deadline. They are fairly deep when it comes to position players and their bullpen is getting reinforcements in the form of injured players returning, but the starting rotation depth has been hit by injuries.

Carlos Carrasco and Noah Syndergaard will not be back for at least several more weeks, probably after the break, and the Mets could use a starter. Max Scherzer, for example, could be available near the deadline.

Cohen was asked by Anthony DiComo of MLB.com and Mike Puma of the New York Post if he would be willing to surpass the luxury tax threshold of $210 million with a hypothetical trade acquisition.

“It’s something to think about because there is a price to pay if you go over for the following year or the year after,” Cohen said, as published in MLB Trade Rumors. “I am not going to go over for a million or two million. That’s stupid, so if you are going to do it, you are going to do it, so we’ll see what’s available.”

There would be penalties for the Mets (and every other team) that goes over the limit, but it seems the team is mulling the option of doing it as long as it’s worth it.

Could the Mets entertain extensions for key starters?

Cohen was also asked whether the Mets will extend Marcus Stroman and Jacob deGrom, but he said he remains focused on this season.

“I’m focused on this year,” he said. “I don’t think it’s the right moment (for extension talks). We’re focused on this year, so obviously it’s something we’re thinking about. We love Jacob.”

MLB Trade Rumors explains that deGrom is under contract through 2024, but has an opt out clause after the season.

Stroman, meanwhile, will be a free agent after this season, after he accepted a qualifying offer from the Mets to cover the 2021 season.