Mets’ 2026 Season: A Tough Start

The Mets kicked off the 2026 season with high hopes after parting ways with some long-time players, following a disappointing finish that dashed their playoff aspirations last year. However, despite welcoming several new faces, it looks like they’ll miss the postseason again, ending this year with a record below .500 for the first time since 2023.

Owner Steve Cohen has described the current season as “pretty frustrating.”

Looking ahead, fans can expect new personnel in the front office next year.

During a discussion with SNY’s broadcast team at the recent Mets-Phillies game, Cohen shared his thoughts about the team’s situation and what changes he envisions for 2027. He mentioned that while he sees no immediate need to appoint a general manager under president of baseball operations David Stearns, he intends to introduce diverse perspectives into the front office.

“I’ve been collaborating with the front office and have pinpointed areas that could use improvement,” Cohen stated. “They’ve got strong processes, but I believe we can enhance certain elements. We plan to incorporate additional voices into the front office that I think will be beneficial. I look forward to making those changes.”

“It doesn’t have to be a GM,” he clarified. “There are various ways to support David and the front office. The goal is to gather more opinions, especially from those skilled in talent evaluation or those who have held significant roles in front office environments, to assist David and enhance the team’s strategies.”

This offseason, the Mets let go of key players like Pete Alonso, who joined the Orioles, and Edwin Diaz, who went to the Dodgers. Additionally, Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil were traded. Unfortunately, these moves have not resulted in success, with the team currently at the bottom of the National League East standings.

In a recent game against the Mets, Alonso hit his 300th career home run, a moment that resonated with the Citi Field crowd, which erupted in cheers. Cohen was seen applauding and standing for this achievement, indicating his understanding of the fans’ sentiments. “Saying goodbye to homegrown players is tough, and he was a beloved Met,” Cohen reflected. “But we have to look ahead to 2027 and focus on our future plans.”

Another key change on the horizon is the hiring of a full-time manager, as interim manager Andy Green is expected to transition back to a front-office role. While Cohen didn’t disclose any specific candidates, he emphasized the importance of the manager’s role in fostering a strong team culture and unity in the locker room.

As for the team’s performance, Cohen expressed his expectations for future improvement. “This marks the second consecutive year without playoff participation,” he acknowledged. “It’s quite frustrating. I’m not pleased about it. But rather than dwell on it, I’m eager to find ways to improve things. I believe I’ve identified how to do that, and I anticipate some decisions in the coming weeks that will reflect this.”