The Future Awaits: Mets Break Ground on Player Development Complex
In sports, the difference between the average teams and the great teams is investment. This applies strongly to baseball, as teams with the best player development systems perform at a higher level than their less-invested counterparts. And with their latest project, the New York Mets are looking to elevate to the top of the sport.
On Wednesday morning, the Mets officially broke ground on their 55,000 square foot Player Development Complex. As stated in their press release, the new complex will feature a 7,000 square foot weight room with a 1,500 square foot cardio mezzanine, turf and gymnastic flooring, a 5,000 square foot locker room with 180 lockers, an 1,300 square foot training room, an 1,800 square foot hydrotherapy area with hot and cold plunge pools, treadmill pools and extremity tubs, a 2,500 square foot team dining room with full service kitchen and a 2,000 square foot multipurpose room.
Photo Credit: Ed Delany of Metsmerized
At the event, numerous renderings were made available for media and attendees to view. They showed off the new turf field, weight room, cafeteria, and more.
Howie Rose led off the event, discussing how the project reflects the goals of owners Steve and Alex Cohen.
“Steve and Alex’s commitment to building sustainable, long-term success and their drive for the organization to succeed at every level clearly shine through in initiatives like this.”
David Stearns, also speaking at the event, said that the complex will allow the Mets to “cement us as the preeminent player development organization in baseball.” He also added that the complex will be complete by 2027.
Later in the day, MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo provided more information on the new Player Development Complex. Costing $60 million, the project had been in the works for “the better part of the decade.” He also added that Steve Cohen covered the entire cost of the complex, a fact confirmed at the event by the Port St. Lucie County Commissioner.
In a sport where a team like the Los Angeles Dodgers has thrived because of its impeccable player development pipeline, this move should be a slam dunk for the Mets. By 2027, it would not be surprising to see New York immediately benefit from the new facility while also laying a strong foundation for the future.
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