New York Mets Didn’t Collapse; They Just Weren’t Very Good

The New York Mets’ 2025 season ended in heartbreak. They missed the MLB playoffs on the very last day, even with a star-studded roster headlined by Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor, and Pete Alonso.

After a promising start and months spent in playoff position, things started to unravel in mid-June. Injuries hammered the pitching staff, and the rotation just fell apart.

Even with some standout offensive performances, the Mets couldn’t overcome their roster’s fragility. Fans and executives now stare down a turbulent offseason full of tough decisions—no way around it.

The High Expectations That Began With Juan Soto

When the Mets landed Juan Soto in a blockbuster deal, expectations basically exploded. Soto, signed to a staggering $765 million contract, was supposed to be the missing piece to push the franchise deep into October.

Alongside the $341 million man Francisco Lindor and slugger Pete Alonso, who returned on a one-year deal, the Mets had one of the scariest offensive trios in baseball. On paper, anyway.

Offensive Stars Shine Despite Collapse

Soto nearly pulled off a 40-40 season, falling just short but still putting up elite numbers. Lindor kept being the emotional heartbeat of the clubhouse, bringing leadership and steady play on both sides of the ball.

Alonso, back in New York, crushed 38 home runs and drove in 126 runs. He delivered some of the Mets’ most memorable hits of the year—moments fans won’t forget anytime soon.

The Rotation Unravels

The bats did their part, but the arms? Not so much. Injuries hit key pitchers like Sean Manaea, Frankie Montas, and Griffin Canning hard.

The rotation crumbled, so the team leaned on rookies Nolan McLean, Jonah Tong, and Brandon Sproat. They were thrown into starting roles way earlier than anyone expected.

Sean Manaea’s Season Sums It Up

Manaea—once a postseason hero—managed only 12 starts all year and ended up with a rough 5.80 ERA. His struggles hit a low point in Game 162 against the Miami Marlins.

He just didn’t have it in that 4-0 loss, and the Mets’ playoff hopes died right there. That game turned into a bitter symbol of how things slowly fell apart.

Questionable Decisions in Crunch Time

Manager Carlos Mendoza took a lot of heat for his late-season bullpen choices. In that do-or-die final game, Mendoza called on Ryne Stanek in a crucial spot instead of a more proven arm.

Fans and analysts scratched their heads at that move—honestly, who wouldn’t?

Missed Opportunities at the Plate

The offense couldn’t dodge September’s curse either. Alonso’s hardest-hit ball of the season, bases loaded, was caught—just brutal luck, keeping the Marlins’ shutout alive.

The Mets suffered an eight-game losing streak in September. That streak erased months of good work and knocked them out of postseason contention.

What Comes Next for the Mets?

Now, with the season over, the Mets face an offseason loaded with uncertainty. Alonso has opted out of his contract, so his future in Queens is up in the air.

The rotation’s still thin, and the front office has to decide: spend big again, or maybe start rebuilding with younger talent?

Offseason Options

The Mets’ choices are pretty stark:

• Invest heavily in free agency to rebuild the pitching staff and keep the offense dangerous.
• Trade veterans for young prospects and go all-in on a long-term rebuild.
• Try a hybrid approach—mix some new signings with a gradual rollout of rookie arms.

With those huge contracts for Soto and Lindor, standing still isn’t really an option. The franchise has to find a way to balance winning now with building something that lasts—even if that’s easier said than done.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 Mets showed that talent alone doesn’t guarantee playoff wins. Injuries hit the rotation hard.

Questionable managing choices crept in. Then came a poorly timed slump that wrecked what could’ve been a memorable October.

Now, with winter coming, Mets fans will keep a close eye on what happens next. Is this just a bump in the road, or the beginning of a bigger shift?

One thing’s for sure—the New York baseball scene never really quiets down. The 2026 Mets will feel serious pressure to deliver after 2025’s letdown.

 
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