The New York Mets surprised many by announcing the resignation of Scott Havens as the team’s President of Business Operations. In an unusual midseason move, Havens is stepping down after just a year and a half in the position, raising questions about the inner workings of Steve Cohen’s Mets empire.
Havens joined the Mets with an extensive background in the digital industry, notably serving as CEO of Bloomberg Media. However, it quickly became clear that the relationship between Cohen and his president of business operations was, by all accounts, not ideal.
Mets President of Baseball Operations Scott Havens departs shrouded in mystery
The way the Mets announced Havens’ resignation has fueled considerable intrigue, particularly Cohen’s blunt assessment of their relationship as one fraught with differences. The official statement noted, “While we ultimately had differing perspectives on the long-term strategy.”
Reading between the lines, it strongly suggests that Cohen and Havens encountered irreconcilable problems working together, a situation that became unsustainable for both parties. This aspect is particularly striking, given the brief tenure Havens spent in the role, having been announced to the position in January 2023.
From the initial press conference introducing Havens to the organization, Cohen had expressed significant enthusiasm for his profile, stating at the time, “Bringing someone on board of Scott’s caliber is an exciting development for the Mets organization.” Cohen’s vision for the Mets extended far beyond the baseball diamond, aiming to transform the franchise into a modern, technologically savvy enterprise.
Havens, with his digital media pedigree, appeared to be the ideal candidate to spearhead this transformation. However, despite the initial high hopes and shared vision, the criteria and, ultimately, the working relationship, failed to align.
Havens’ responsibilities were extensive, encompassing the oversight of the Senior Leadership Team for all front-office functions except Baseball Operations, and he reported directly to Cohen. This broad scope included areas vital to the team’s financial health and long-term strategic direction, such as marketing, ticketing, corporate partnerships, and media. Given the importance of these functions, Havens’ departure leaves a significant void.
The Mets and Steve Cohen now face the immediate challenge of initiating a search for a new President of Business Operations. This role is not merely administrative; it has a profound impact on the team’s future vision, financial performance, and overall fan experience.
Finding a candidate who not only possesses the necessary business acumen, but also aligns seamlessly with Cohen’s demanding and ambitious leadership style will be paramount to ensuring the Mets’ continued growth and stability off the field. The abrupt nature of Havens’ exit serves as a stark reminder that even in an organization flush with resources, chemistry and aligned vision remain crucial for sustained success.
