Pressure is continuing to build within the New York Mets organization, and major changes could soon be on the horizon if the club’s disappointing struggles continue throughout the 2026 season. One of the biggest names now being linked to potential fallout is team president of baseball operations David Stearns, whose future with the franchise may no longer be as secure as it once appeared.
Mets owner Steve Cohen had long admired Stearns before finally bringing him to New York in the fall of 2023. Cohen had previously attempted to hire the highly respected executive while he was still working for the Milwaukee Brewers, but Milwaukee declined to allow the move at the time. Once Stearns’ contract with the Brewers expired, Cohen quickly moved to make him the architect of the Mets’ future.
Initially, the partnership appeared promising. The Mets reached the National League Championship Series in 2024, creating optimism that Stearns could help build a sustainable contender in Queens. However, things have rapidly unraveled since then. The team suffered a major collapse last season, and the struggles have only intensified in 2026, with New York currently owning the worst record in Major League Baseball.
As losses continue to pile up, criticism has grown toward both Stearns and manager Carlos Mendoza. While many around the league believe Mendoza is in greater immediate danger because he is in the final year of his contract, Stearns is also beginning to face serious scrutiny despite being signed through 2028. Reports suggest Cohen has remained patient so far, especially after choosing not to make sweeping changes following last season’s collapse, but there is increasing belief that another failed campaign could force the owner to reconsider his long-term commitment to the front office.
According to reports from SNY’s Chelsea Janes, Stearns could ultimately lose his job if the Mets fail to reach the playoffs again this season. Cohen has previously admitted frustration with the organization’s inability to achieve postseason success despite significant financial investments, and patience may eventually run out if results do not improve quickly.
Part of the growing frustration stems from several roster decisions made under Stearns that have not worked out as expected. One of the most criticized moves was the offseason trade that sent Brandon Nimmo away in exchange for veteran infielder Marcus Semien. While Semien has struggled offensively in New York, Nimmo has continued to produce elsewhere and would currently rank among the Mets’ top hitters in several major offensive categories.
Another questionable move involved trading versatile infielder Jeff McNeil, who has quietly put together solid performances with the Athletics. Meanwhile, New York’s offense has lacked consistency throughout the season. Stearns also made a high-profile move to acquire pitcher Freddy Peralta, but there are concerns the deal may not provide long-term value if Peralta departs in free agency after the season.
Despite the disappointing results, injuries have also played a significant role in the Mets’ struggles. Key contributors such as Francisco Lindor, Jorge Polanco, and Luis Robert Jr. have all missed time, leaving the lineup depleted for extended stretches. Even so, many analysts believe excuses will only go so far for a franchise with championship expectations and one of baseball’s highest payrolls.
According to playoff projections from Fangraphs, the Mets currently have only a 23% chance of reaching the postseason, with nine other National League teams holding better odds. The team is projected to finish around 80 wins, a total that would likely leave them outside the playoff picture once again.
At this point, the remainder of the season could determine the future direction of the franchise. If the Mets fail to turn things around soon, Steve Cohen may be forced to make major organizational changes, and David Stearns could become the highest-profile casualty of another disappointing year in Queens.
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