Soto Stands Firm as Mets Face Overhaul

Juan Soto produced a tour-de-force first season in Queens, finishing with 43 homers, 38 steals, a .921 OPS and leading MLB with 127 walks, but his performance couldn't prevent the Mets' historic collapse after a 45-24 start as New York finished 83-79 and lost 4-0 on the final day to miss the playoffs. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns publicly accepted responsibility, citing midseason injuries, poor run prevention, defensive lapses and roster construction—particularly pitching—as reasons for the 38-55 stretch after June. The club faces major offseason decisions with Pete Alonso opting out and manager Carlos Mendoza reportedly on the hot seat, and ownership and the front office are expected to pursue substantive roster and coaching changes. The Mets could explore blockbuster trades involving Francisco Lindor or Brandon Nimmo and are under pressure from analysts to be more aggressive in acquiring proven pitching after costly misfires like Frankie Montas and injuries to Kodai Senga, Griffin Canning, Sean Manaea and Tylor Megill. A strong prospect crop (Noah and Nolan McLean, Brandon Sproat, Jonah Tong) offers hope, but the club will likely have to overhaul pitching and depth to avoid a repeat collapse.