“I want a winning team. I want to put the best team I can on the field,” Mets owner Steve Cohen remarked after last offseason. Despite a splashy offseason that included Juan Soto’s record-breaking contract, the Mets still missed the playoffs. But now, with several key players possibly heading to free agency, building a true contender has never been more crucial.

Pete Alonso, the Mets’ 2025 Silver Slugger winner, is reportedly seeking a free-agent deal worth around $182 million over six years. And losing Alonso would be a big blow as he hit .272 with 32 HRs this season. And while many expect the Mets to make another bold, Soto-style move to keep him, Steve Cohen’s latest update may offer a glimpse into how the Mets are planning to shape their roster.

“The billionaire Steve Cohen is reported to have purchased the 18-karat flushable sculpture by Maurizio Cattelan in 2017. It’s now coming up for sale at Sotheby’s.” NYT reported Cohen’s unusual move.

Reportedly, since 2017, Cohen has owned a rather unusual piece of art. A fully functional toilet made of 18-karat solid gold, created by conceptual artist Maurizio Cattelan. But now, according to recent reports, the piece is going under the hammer on November 18, with bidding starting at around $10 million.

What makes it even more intriguing is that only two versions of this golden toilet were ever made. Cohen owns one, while the other was later stolen from England’s Blenheim Palace. So, Cohen’s version is now one of a kind.

But the timing raises eyebrows, especially as it comes right when the Mets extended a qualifying offer to Edwin Diaz.

According to CBS Sports’ Mike Axisa, if the Mets lose Pete Alonso, they could look to replace him with Red Sox infielder Alex Bregman. But he’s also projected to command north of $160 million in free agency. So, whether the Mets re-sign Alonso or chase Bregman, either move would put a serious dent in their budget, which makes us wonder!

Is that why Cohen’s golden sculpture is headed to Sotheby’s auction block?

The Mets are rumored to have a few big names, again

It’s nothing new to associate the Mets, Yankees, and Dodgers with every other hot free agent around. However, Cohen likes to keep things under wraps till anything is finalized. Countering the Wave’s Mark C. Healey’s post about the lack of concrete information about the offseason moves from the Mets, Cohen took no time to answer.

“Mark, I like operating that way, but if you call Alex (Cohen), she will tell you everything,” Cohen shared via X. Still, a few names are attached to the team.

Expectedly, most of the names are to enhance the struggling Mets offense. They ended the regular season with 766 runs (10th rank) and .249 BA (14th rank), a poor show at the batter’s box.

So, according to ESPN’s David Schoenfield, the Mets might pull off a Soto-like stunt with the Yankees again for Cody Bellinger.

Bellinger’s positional flexibility is what is touted as the buying point for the Mets. They currently have 33-year-old infielder Jeff McNeil in the field, which could be taken over by Bellinger. Moreover, if Alonso leaves, Bellinger would be by far the best option to lead their first base.

However, the Mets front office is tight-lipped about whether they are pursuing these names. If yes, fans could expect a turnaround 2026 season.