Report: Alex Rodriguez, Jennifer Lopez, Kraft Agree on Citi Field Development

Matt Sayles/Associated Press

Alex Rodriguez and Jennifer Lopez, along with other partners in their ownership group looking to buy the New York Mets, met with New England Patriots owners Robert and Jonathan Kraft last week to discuss a partnership. 

Thornton McEnery of the New York Post reported Rodriguez, Lopez and the Krafts discussed developing the area around Citi Field, which is among the reasons the power couple is interested in purchasing the struggling MLB franchise.

The visit reportedly lasted five hours. The Krafts showed Lopez and Rodriguez around Gillette Stadium and highlighted the development in the area around the stadium, which includes various bars, restaurants and entertainment for fans.

The Wilpon family concluded the first round of bidding for the Mets earlier this month after having a deal with billionaire Steve Cohen fall through in February. 

McEnery and colleague Josh Kosman reported the Wilpons are looking to have a sale in place by October to unload the franchise by the end of 2020. 

The first round of bidding was reportedly "weak," with bids coming in under the $2 billion mark, per Charles Gasparino of Fox Business. Cohen's original purchase price gave the Mets a valuation of $2.4 billion, which would have been the largest purchase in MLB history.

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It's likely a number of factors, including the Wilpons' desperation to sell and the COVID-19 pandemic, are leading to the weaker market. The price point of the bid led by Rodriguez and Lopez, who would be minority owners, is unclear.