MLB agent Scott Boras did not have anything bad to say about either owner of the New York Yankees or New York Mets. It would be bad business for him to do so. But what he said during a recent interview with New York Post Sports surprised many, especially when discussing the Yankees.
For many Yankees fans, Hal Steinbrenner has given off the vibe that he was very restrained and lacked the aggression that his father had when it came to being competitive. Naturally, Hal is going to be compared to his father whether that is fair or not. But Boras has a different take on Hal Steinbrenner and thinks he may be evolving.
Scott Boras discusses his views of New York Yankees’ Hal Steinbrenner, New York Mets’ Steve Cohen
When asked about his thoughts about ownership for both New York franchises during his appearance with New York Post Sports, Boras gave his insight into the changes he has seen in Steinbrenner.
“I saw an emotional commitment to competitiveness,” Boras said. “I had not seen that personally before … and I saw it again this year.”
He specifically referenced the Yankees pursuit of Cody Bellinger.
“This is our guy,” Boras said in describing Steinbrenner’s mindset. “This is who we really want. It is our focus.”
Commitment to competitiveness is not a phrase most Yankees fans would use to describe Hal Steinbrenner. His father George? Absolutely. But Hal has not consistently demonstrated that fire his father had. According to Boras, that perception may no longer be accurate.
Boras also highlighted that Mets owner Steve Cohen matched that intensity.
“There’s just not much in a competitive environment that he doesn’t win at,” Boras said. “He’s just very good at it. Brilliant at it.”
He added that when Cohen has his eye on something, “you can see that he has every focus to do things in a manner that are strategic. They’re evolved. They are detailed.”
Boras also discussed what he thinks is Cohen building for the long term.
“There is a constant dig to find personnel for the next generation of talent,” Boras said.
Two owners, two styles
While Boras described both owners positively, it was clear that Cohen and Steinbrenner have distinctive styles when it comes to signing personnel. Steinbrenner was described as focused and emotionally committed, whereas Cohen was portrayed as detail-driven and relentless.
The big story in New York baseball over the past few seasons has been heavily focused on Cohen’s aggression to acquire new talent. According to Boras, Steinbrenner is starting to catch up and may now be operating with the same level of intensity and urgency to match Cohen’s energy.
A changing dynamic in New York
If Boras’ assessment is accurate, the balance of power narrative in New York may be shifting. It is no longer simply about one owner pushing the market while the other responds.
It may now be about two ownership groups fully leaning in at the same time.
More than a crosstown rivalry
Baseball in New York is already captivating. But if Boras’ remarks about Steinbrenner are accurate, the coming seasons could look different.
When two billionaires in the same city are equally determined to win, the stakes rise. Soon, it will no longer be just a fun crosstown rivalry. It will be a sustained fight for control of baseball’s most visible market.