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Mets Retain Mendoza Amid 10-21 Season Slump

5/2/2026

Summary

Stearns Retains Mendoza

Mets president David Stearns announced the team will retain manager Carlos Mendoza.
The Mets sit at a 10-21 record, the fourth-worst start in franchise history, after a 12-game losing streak.
Stearns blamed a $400 million payroll, league-worst OPS+ 79 and injuries to Lindor, Polanco and Soto.
The club will open a nine-game West Coast road trip in Anaheim against the 12-20 Angels on Friday.

Summary

Mets Overhaul

The Mets released longtime stars Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil and Brandon Nimmo.
They signed shortstop Bo Bichette, infielder Jorge Polanco and second baseman Marcus Semien, whose early batting averages are .230, .179 and .218 respectively.
Stephen A. Smith said manager Mendoza cannot find the clubhouse pulse and a new voice is needed.
Reliever Devin Williams entered a game without recording a strikeout and allowed two earned runs, highlighting bullpen struggles.

Summary

Stearns Trades

Steve Cohen told David Stearns his job is safe despite Mets’ 10-21 start.
Luke Weaver said clubhouse feels pressure for perfection, linking it to the Mendoza debate.
ESPN's Jorge Castillo reported the Mets will trade starters except Nolan McLean, Freddy Peralta, or Clay Holmes to boost offense.
David Stearns swapped two pitching prospects for Willy Adames in a trade that helped Milwaukee finish 74-44 and win the division.

History

Historical Context

After the Tigers posted a 43-119 record in 2003—the worst in franchise history and just one loss shy of the 1962 New York Mets’ 120-loss mark—owner Mike Ilitch, who ran the league’s second-largest payroll at over $138 million, dismissed first-year manager Alan Trammell. The collapse spurred a roster overhaul that eventually helped Detroit reach the 2006 World Series.

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Stearns Retains Mendoza

Mets president David Stearns announced the team will retain manager Carlos Mendoza.
The Mets sit at a 10-21 record, the fourth-worst start in franchise history, after a 12-game losing streak.
Stearns blamed a $400 million payroll, league-worst OPS+ 79 and injuries to Lindor, Polanco and Soto.
The club will open a nine-game West Coast road trip in Anaheim against the 12-20 Angels on Friday.

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