Syracuse Mets, the Triple-A affiliate of the New York Mets, are being sold to Diamond Baseball Holdings (DBH), but the team will remain in Syracuse, New York. The sale, announced on Tuesday (December 10), is pending approval from Minor League Baseball and Onondaga County Executive Ryan McMahon. DBH, which owns 38 minor league teams, is purchasing the Mets from Cohen Private Ventures, an investment fund controlled by New York Mets owner Steven A. Cohen.
The team will continue to play at NBT Bank Stadium, which has been their home since 1997. The stadium, located on Syracuse's North Side, is owned by Onondaga County and leased to the Mets under a 25-year agreement signed in 2019. Ryan McMahon emphasized that his approval of the sale is contingent on the team staying in Syracuse. He expressed excitement about the sale to DBH, highlighting their commitment to Triple-A baseball in Central New York.
DBH plans to retain the team's front office staff, including General Manager Jason Smorol. The organization also aims to enhance the fan experience at NBT Bank Stadium, ensuring it remains a destination for affordable, family-friendly entertainment. According to Syracuse.com, DBH's executive chairman Pat Battle and CEO Peter Freund expressed enthusiasm for adding the Syracuse Mets to their roster.
The sale is part of a broader acquisition strategy by DBH, which also includes the New York Mets' High-A affiliate, the Brooklyn Cyclones. The Syracuse Mets have a rich history in the International League, having played there since 1934, except for five years. The team was acquired by the New York Mets in 2017 and renamed from the Syracuse Chiefs.