Stearns says roster flexibility hampered Mets’ 2026 campaign
New York finished last in the NL East at 74–88. Its president of baseball operations pointed to roster decisions and limited room to adjust, while describing post-deadline improvement as a possible base for next season.
David Stearns said roster decisions contributed to the Mets’ poor start and made it difficult to respond when players underperformed. The president of baseball operations described the choices as creating the potential for an “uncapped downside scenario” and said the roster lacked flexibility for in-season changes.
New York finished 74–88, last in the NL East for the first time since 2003. Yahoo Sports’ account linked the difficult opening months to injuries, struggles by some new additions and a 12-game losing streak.
Stearns said the team’s above-.500 play after the trade deadline could provide a foundation for next season. He cited the continued development of younger players, greater availability from veterans and potential offseason acquisitions as possible contributors.
The source account begins to describe a plan to add pitching, but its excerpt ends before giving details. Stearns’s comments leave the scope of the Mets’ offseason moves unresolved.
