Full Breakdown
Mets Back Manager Carlos Mendoza Amid 10-21 Start
5/2/2026, 8:53:14 AM
Early-Season Collapse
The Mets sit at 10-21, the league’s worst record and the third-worst start in franchise history after the 1981 and 1964 teams. A 12-game losing streak ended with a 3-2 win over the Twins on April 22, but the club has lost five of its last six, including a sweep by the Rockies.
Background & Context
The 2024 Mets reached the NLCS, losing to the Dodgers. In 2025 they led the NL at 39-23 on June 4 before slipping to 44-56 and missing the postseason by one game. Offseason trades added Bo Bichette, Jorge Polanco and Marcus Semien, replacing Pete Alonso, Jeff McNeil and Brandon Nimmo. Injuries to shortstop Francisco Lindor (hamate, calf), second-baseman Jorge Polanco (wrist) and outfielder Juan Soto (calf) have limited the lineup.
Data & Statistics
The Mets rank last in runs per game (3.42), OPS+ (79) and slugging (30th). Their batting average is 27th, on-base percentage 30th, home runs 26th and runs scored 29th. Pitching is a team ERA of 15th. Payroll nears $400 million, the league’s second-largest, yet offensive output remains near the bottom.
Official Statements & Responses
President of baseball operations David Stearns told MLB.com the club does not view the poor record as a managerial issue and has no plans to replace Mendoza, adding that the team believes it can perform better. Manager Carlos Mendoza said there are no excuses and the team must improve.
Criticism & Opposition
ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith said Mendoza has failed to generate a clubhouse pulse and a new voice is needed. ESPN reporter Jorge Castillo argued responsibility should be shared across baseball operations and the clubhouse. Some fans have called for Mendoza’s dismissal, citing the poor start and offensive woes.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on whether the 10-21 start is the third- or fourth-worst in franchise history. Mendoza’s age is listed as 46 in most reports, though one source cites 64. Rankings of offensive metrics vary slightly, but all place the team near the league bottom. No official timeline for roster moves has been disclosed.
Verbatim Quotes
- “We don’t view this as a manager problem, and we don’t intend to make a change.” — David Stearns, Mets president of baseball operations
- “You clearly need a new voice, because that voice ain’t working,” ESPN’s Stephen A.” — Stephen A. Smith, ESPN analyst
- “com’s Anthony DiComo, “The blame should be spread throughout the organization, from baseball operations to the clubhouse.” — Jorge Castillo, ESPN reporter
What’s Next
On Friday the Mets begin a nine-game west-coast road trip against the Los Angeles Angels (12-20). Front-office officials have signaled openness to trades for offensive help, recalling Stearns’ 2022 mid-season acquisition of Willy Adames that sparked a Brewers turnaround. With 131 games remaining, the club will explore roster moves while retaining Mendoza as manager.
