The New York Mets’ difficult 2026 season has sparked widespread frustration throughout the fan base, but one thing appears increasingly clear: owner Steve Cohen is not ready to give up on David Stearns.
Following the recent dismissal of manager Carlos Mendoza, speculation quickly shifted toward the future of the Mets’ front office. With the team sitting at 36-50 entering July and trailing badly in the National League playoff race, many wondered whether Stearns would become the next high-profile figure held accountable for the organization’s disappointing performance.
Instead, Cohen has made it clear that his confidence in the president of baseball operations remains intact.
Despite mounting criticism and a season that has fallen well short of expectations, the Mets owner reportedly has no plans to part ways with Stearns before the expiration of his current contract in 2028. While Cohen acknowledged that significant improvements are necessary, he drew a firm line when it came to the future of the team’s top baseball executive.
For many observers, the decision may seem surprising given the club’s struggles. The Mets entered the season with playoff aspirations, fueled by one of baseball’s highest payrolls and a roster built to contend. However, injuries, inconsistent performances, and questionable offseason moves have combined to create one of the most disappointing campaigns of the Cohen era.
Yet from Cohen’s perspective, replacing Stearns may create more problems than it solves.
When the Mets hired Stearns, they were not simply bringing in another executive—they were securing one of the most respected baseball minds in the sport. Before arriving in New York, Stearns built an impressive reputation with the Milwaukee Brewers, guiding the small-market franchise to multiple playoff appearances and division titles despite operating with significantly fewer financial resources than many competitors.
His ability to identify talent, build competitive rosters, and maintain organizational stability made him one of the most sought-after executives in Major League Baseball. Cohen spent years pursuing Stearns before finally convincing him to take over baseball operations in Queens.
That long-term vision has not disappeared because of one disappointing season.
Perhaps the biggest reason Cohen remains patient is the instability that plagued the Mets before Stearns’ arrival. Over the past decade, the organization experienced frequent turnover in leadership positions, cycling through multiple front-office executives and baseball decision-makers. That lack of continuity often prevented the franchise from establishing a clear long-term identity.
Stearns was hired in part to end that cycle.
While his first full year in charge has been filled with criticism, particularly regarding offseason acquisitions that have failed to meet expectations, Cohen appears unwilling to abandon the broader plan after only a short period of adversity. Many of the moves that looked promising on paper simply have not produced the desired results, but ownership still appears to believe Stearns deserves the opportunity to correct those mistakes.
There is also a practical business element involved.
With uncertainty surrounding future labor negotiations and the possibility of significant changes across Major League Baseball in the coming years, stability within the front office may be more valuable than ever. Replacing Stearns would require another leadership transition, another organizational reset, and another executive tasked with cleaning up a roster that has underperformed.
Such a move could create additional disruption at a time when the Mets are trying to maximize their championship opportunities around superstar Juan Soto and other cornerstone players.
For that reason, continuity may be the organization’s best option.
While Stearns deserves his share of responsibility for the team’s disappointing results, Cohen appears convinced that the executive who helped create the current situation is also capable of fixing it. Rather than starting over with another front-office overhaul, the owner seems prepared to give Stearns the time necessary to reshape the roster and restore the franchise’s competitiveness.
The pressure is undoubtedly mounting, and the results will need to improve quickly. However, despite fan frustration and growing scrutiny, David Stearns continues to have the support of the most important person in the organization.
For now, Steve Cohen’s message is unmistakable: the Mets may need changes, but replacing David Stearns is not one of them. The owner still believes the architect of the current project deserves the opportunity to finish the job and prove that his long-term vision can ultimately lead New York back into contention.
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