The New York Mets suffered a brutal late-season collapse, missing the playoffs via a tiebreaker with the Cincinnati Reds. Given the club’s payroll was the second highest in Major League Baseball — more than $50 million above the third-place team — expectations for October baseball were clear.
Led by stars Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso, the Mets appeared destined for a deep postseason run. Through June 12, they held a 45-24 record and looked like one of the strongest teams in the National League. Instead, they stumbled badly down the stretch, finishing 38-55 and playing their way out of contention.
On Friday, the organization responded with sweeping changes. While manager Carlos Mendoza will keep his job, MLB insider Jeff Passan reported that several members of his coaching staff were dismissed. Hitting coaches Eric Chavez and Jeremy Barnes, pitching coach Jeremy Hefner and bench coach John Gibbons were all fired. Third base coach Mike Sarbaugh was also let go, and catching instructor Glenn Sherlock announced his retirement.
The moves mark the beginning of an offseason filled with uncertainty. General manager David Stearns is expected to lead the search for replacements as the Mets look to reshape Mendoza’s staff before spring training.
Meanwhile, roster questions loom. Alonso opted out of his contract and could depart in free agency, while closer Edwin Díaz has yet to decide whether he will exercise his opt-out clause. Both decisions will heavily influence how the Mets approach the 2026 season and whether the team can recover quickly from its collapse.