The Mets began the 2025 season with high expectations under David Stearns, their widely respected president of baseball operations. Armed with a mix of seasoned veterans, key mid-season acquisitions, and an exciting group of young pitchers, the franchise aimed to reestablish itself as a legitimate playoff contender. However, what was anticipated to be a season of renewal has instead unfolded as a frustrating struggle, with Stearns increasingly becoming the focal point of criticism.

Injuries and inconsistency have played their part, but scrutiny has centered on Stearns’ mid-season moves. His marquee additions—outfielder Cedric Mullins and closer Ryan Helsley—were expected to stabilize the team. Instead, both have struggled in Queens. Mullins has hit just .174 with a .556 OPS since the trade and endured a 0-for-26 skid, while Helsley, a former NL Reliever of the Year, carries a startling 10.50 ERA in 15 appearances. These results have prompted fans and media to question whether Stearns misjudged at a critical moment.

Joel Sherman of the New York Post amplified that sentiment: “They brought up three really good young pitchers. Like, I’ve liked the stuff they’ve done in each bucket, and somehow they’re in this situation. Is there a blame game? Like what is there—David Stearn, when you’re in a big market, don’t do half measures. You did Soto, keep going. Or is Mendoza not managing this well? What’s the story?” Sherman’s comments reflect an increasing impatience with partial solutions in New York, especially after repeated false starts.

Conversely, Jon Heyman offered a more balanced view. “Mendoza is doing great, and he’ll be back. It doesn’t feel like Mendoza’s made obvious mistakes,” Heyman said, refocusing on roster issues. “Their defense, the personnel is not great… they’ve had some bad luck with injuries to the pitchers. Their pitching was number one halfway through the year, and all their starters ran out of gas. Montas was not good and then hurt, and he’s out now with Tommy John surgery.” Heyman noted that while some deadline acquisitions faltered, Stearns’ earlier signings like Luis Severino and Sean Manaea performed well.

The truth is, Stearns took a gamble at the trade deadline that hasn’t yet paid off. In his own defense to the New York Post, Stearns acknowledged stars go through ups and downs, and sometimes those rough patches coincide with the window a team acquires them for. Regarding Mullins, Stearns remained hopeful, calling him an above-average player still seeking his rhythm in New York. On Helsley, Stearns emphasized that his elite skills “usually rise to the top and persevere eventually.”

Still, patience is wearing thin in Queens. Fans want wins, not just hope. With playoff aspirations dimming as the Phillies and Braves pull ahead, the blame narrative intensifies. Sherman summarized the dilemma: New York’s young pitching talent could still save the season, but in a demanding market, all eyes remain on David Stearns. Fair or not, Stearns is becoming the focal point of a Mets season that has struggled to find its footing.

While management faces criticism for a lack of answers, players have admitted their own role in inconsistency. Francisco Lindor emerged as a voice of accountability.

Francisco Lindor breaks the silence on the Mets’ consistent struggles

Francisco Lindor’s remarks after a tough Phillies series laid bare the Mets’ key weakness: inconsistency. The star admitted the team hasn’t been able to sustain momentum, with pitching breakdowns and offensive slumps defining the year. Despite frustrations, Lindor pointed out that the team’s current wild-card standing leaves the door open for a turnaround.

His words served as both a warning and a rallying call. Lindor stressed that costly execution lapses need correction and urged a sense of urgency in the final weeks. For a lineup leading the league in OPS yet faltering in clutch moments, Lindor’s leadership could be decisive in whether the Mets make October or fall short once again.

The Mets’ season hinges on balancing internal pressure and external expectations. With David Stearns under growing scrutiny and Lindor pushing for consistency, the question remains: can the Mets salvage their playoff hopes or will this season mark yet another chapter of unmet promise?