Mets Eliminated From Postseason After Disastrous Year
AI-generated image · US National Wire
Despite a late-season surge and the emergence of young talent, the New York Mets face another October at home following a failed offseason by POBO David Stearns.
The New York Mets have been officially eliminated from postseason contention following a loss on Monday to the Baltimore Orioles, as CBS Sports first reported. It marks the second consecutive year that the franchise, which carries the second-highest payroll in Major League Baseball, will miss the playoffs.
CBS Sports characterizes the 2026 season as a failure driven by a combination of injuries and poor executive decision-making. Key veterans Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto both spent time on the injured list, while pitcher Kodai Senga struggled with effectiveness and health. Additionally, Clay Holmes suffered a broken leg. The club's homegrown core—consisting of Mark Vientos, Brett Baty, and Francisco Alvarez—failed to advance, with CBS Sports noting that Vientos and Baty may have played themselves out of the organization.
Much of the blame is placed on President of Baseball Operations David Stearns, whose offseason acquisitions are described by CBS Sports as a series of failures. The report highlights several costly moves, including:
* **Bo Bichette**: Signed to a three-year, $126 million contract. * **Devin Williams**: Signed to a three-year, $51 million contract. * **Luke Weaver**: Signed to a two-year, $22 million contract before being traded to the Pirates. * **Jorge Polanco**: Signed to a two-year, $40 million contract.
CBS Sports specifically labels the decision to replace franchise icon Pete Alonso—who sought five years and $155 million—with Polanco as a "colossal error," noting Polanco had never played first base and lacked a consistent track record of health and productivity. Other acquisitions included Marcus Semien, who was traded from the Rangers, and Freddy Peralta, who was acquired from the Brewers and later traded to the Rays. Luis Robert Jr., acquired from the White Sox, was claimed on waivers by the Orioles.
The instability led to the June firing of manager Carlos Mendoza. Despite the poor results, owner Steve Cohen stated in July that Stearns will remain in his role for the final two years of his five-year contract, asserting that Stearns is "reflective and adaptable."
Amidst the struggle, CBS Sports reports the Mets found several "building blocks" for the future. Rookies Nolan McLean, Carson Benge, and A.J. Ewing provided significant production, while Christian Scott showed high-end potential upon returning from Tommy John surgery. Additionally, lefty Zac Thornton emerged as a valuable back-of-the-rotation starter. The team also found success with low-cost relievers Daniel Duarte, Nate Lavender, and Jonathan Pintaro after a trade deadline exodus that included Huascar Brazobán, A.J. Minter, and Brooks Raley.
While the Mets showed improvement in the second half, going 29-24 before their elimination, the season remains a disappointment for a high-spending club.