Mets’ Struggles Highlight Challenges Despite High Spending

The 2026 Major League Baseball season has passed its midpoint, and it demonstrates the unpredictability of baseball. The New York Mets exemplify this reality.

The Mets rank among baseball’s wealthiest teams. Owner Steve Cohen, who took control in 2020, aimed to create a top-tier organization by merging significant financial investment with a successful front office. From 2022 onwards, the Mets have led Major League Baseball in player payroll, spending $1.671 billion, exceeding even the Los Angeles Dodgers.

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Cohen gave shortstop Francisco Lindor a 10-year, $341 million contract in 2022. Max Scherzer received one of the highest average annual contracts in history. Late in 2023, Cohen brought in Dave Stearns from the Milwaukee Brewers to revamp the front office, with Stearns having made the Brewers contenders despite smaller budgets.

Despite the Mets’ high spending, they only reached the playoffs twice in the past five seasons. They lost the 2022 wild card series to the Padres and fell to the Dodgers in the 2024 NLCS. In 2023, star power and financial commitment yielded a 75-87 record, 29 games off the division lead. Post-2024, Cohen and Stearns added Juan Soto with a record 15-year, $765 million contract, potentially exceeding $800 million. Yet, the 2025 season ended in disappointment, missing the playoffs after a mediocre 83-79 record.

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For 2026, Stearns aimed for change. Pete Alonso left for the Orioles, and Brandon Nimmo was traded to the Rangers for Marcus Semien. The team acquired Freddy Peralta, closer Devin Williams, Bo Bichette, Jorge Polanco, and Luke Weaver. Additionally, they traded for Luis Robert Jr.

However, these moves failed to improve the Mets’ position. Entering Tuesday, they trailed only the Colorado Rockies for the worst National League record. The Mets lag 15 games behind the Braves in the National League East, with postseason odds at a mere 2%, according to FanGraphs.

Jon Heyman reported that the Mets might soon consider major team changes. “Time for Mets deadline sale to begin,” Heyman posted, suggesting all players are tradeable except Ewing, Benge, McLean, Scott, and Soto.

Key players like Bichette, Robert Jr., Peralta, Williams, and Lindor remain unlisted. Trading them would acknowledge a failing strategy. Yet, their trading value remains uncertain. Bichette has struggled this season and is owed $84 million over two seasons. Lindor and Robert have had limited, unimpressive performances due to injuries.

In a market with few sellers, teams may consider acquiring these stars to outpace rivals. Steve Cohen has publicly expressed a desire to retain Lindor. Even so, after extensive spending with limited success, dismantling the team may be the solution.

Lindor, now 32, could bring value in a trade, but his large contract might reduce expected returns. Bichette’s expensive contract and player options also diminish his trade appeal. Optimism exists for both to regain form, which could aid playoff eligibility or a deep postseason pursuit.

Ultimately, the Mets’ current state contrasts with expectations of mirroring the Dodgers’ success. Instead, they face another postseason at home, still chasing their first division title since 2015.

The 2026 Mets serve as a reminder that money, though powerful, does not guarantee success in all aspects.