The New York Mets didn’t just want to get the rings this season—they wanted to own New York. So what did they do? They handed Juan Soto a $765 million crown and rolled out the extra perks and basically said, ‘You’re the king now.’ And given they managed to get him from the Yankees, it was a bigger deal. And so this was the year the Mets ruled the city. But instead of ruling, they are reeling.

Just a month ago, they looked unstoppable, on top of the NL East, 45-24, riding high. And now? They have lost 13 of their last 16 games, and that brutal sweep by the Pirates—it was unthinkable. A $90 million payroll team is taking on a star-studded team. And it was not just a sweep—it was 30-4 across three games; it was a baseball disaster movie.

Even Steve Cohen, who rarely tweets, had something to say. And after watching the mess, he said, “A tough streak, no denying it. I didn’t see it coming. It’s unlikely the team will continue to hit with RISP at this slow pace. Keep the faith!” The simple transition- he is as stressed as fans, but let’s not hit panic red just yet. But fans have slammed that button. And even the players-only meeting hints that things are not good. And somehow, through all of this, Juan Soto, the one guy who has been improving, is now getting the heat.

Jon Heyman in the New York Post said, “Everyone but the $765 million man, Juan Soto, who is back to being himself, is struggling at bat.” Okay, fair. But then, Heyman kind of twists the knife by pointing out that Soto couldn’t even carry the team through the mess. And, well, sure, in the right way; when you’re a high-ticket player, paid big money, you need to perform. And there is no doubt that Soto was in a limbo for a while.

Even his agent, Boras, came forward to say that he had warned that the pressure could get to him. But let’s get this straight—Soto is not the only issue. He was red hot in June with a 1.196 OPS, so he is doing his part now. Against the Pirates, he went 1 for 10—but when the entire lineup disappeared and the defense started gifting runs, then even Soto could not save them.

Also, there is Pete Alonso, Francisco Lindor, and Brandon Nimmo too—and they were as quiet. So the villain is not just Soto! And if, as a Mets fan, you are thinking, is there any hope felt? Well, maybe. Because only when things couldn’t get worse, help seemed to be on the way.

New York Mets are at the brink—but help is on the way to flip the script

Help is on the way to Queens! Two key pieces of the puzzle are inching their way back to the field. Lefty Sean Manaea and outfielder Jesse Winker have officially started their rehab assignment, and their return couldn’t really come at a better time. For a lineup that feels like it’s allergic to clutch hits, getting them both might be the jolt the team needs.

First Manaea, the guy who has yet to throw a pitch for the New York Mets this season, thanks to all the injuries. He just made his second rehab start with Double-A Binghamton, and it was a fireball. He retired 15 batters straight, and if that version of Manaea shows up in the majors soon, then the rotation will look more sturdy for sure.

As for Jesse Winker, he has only played 24 games because of an oblique injury this season. But his bat has shown flashes with a .239 average and .739 OPS. Also, he brings that veteran presence and calmness to the clubhouse, something the team could use after the crazy day in Pittsburgh. The hope will be that he will not just lengthen the lineup but also steady the ship.

And honestly, the Mets need it. Lindor said it outright that they are outplayed in every aspect. And that says something. Soto is hot now, and this is the time to push-push. For now, the season is not over, not by a long shot. And this could be the turning point.

Do you think so? Let us know in the comments.