“P—-d, sad, frustrated. You name it,” manager Carlos Mendoza didn’t beat around the bush after Sunday’s season-ending 4-0 loss to the Miami Marlins. Meanwhile, Juan Soto had a clear justification for signing with the Mets last winter. “We looked at what all the (bidding) teams wanted to do for the next 15 years, and I think we have the best chance to win here.” But now, he probably wants to eat his own words.

He nearly turned in a 40-40 season that ultimately was MVP caliber. However, the Mets’ overall roster hasn’t resembled the powerhouse many expected since they went down 38-55 on June 14. They gradually lost their momentum. And when Juan Soto was asked about his season with the other side of New York, he unflinchingly said, “It was a failure.”

Further, when asked what he thinks should change next year, with a baffling expression, he replied, “I think we have everything we need. I say we just got to win games. I think that’s the only thing we got to change. Win games.” 

That’s fair. After all, Juan Soto signed with a club that has the second-highest payroll in MLB. To call out the exact moment when the Mets lost their postseason spot, it was a four-run rally by the Marlins in the fourth inning. It appeared fitting when game 162 was started by none other than Sean Manaea. Perfectly symbolic of the Mets’ injury-riddled and average-performing pitching staff.

And just like that, the Reds, despite losing to the Milwaukee Brewers, clinched their playoff berth.

Yet, one season wasn’t sufficient to assess the Mets’ potential. At least as per Juan Soto.

When asked if he still believes in the future of the Mets, he said, “100 percent. One season is not going to determine what we have here. We have everything that we need to go all the way still.”

Right now, it’s too late for the blame games. But at the same time, no Met should escape blame for a downfall like this right now, including the guy signing the checks.

Steve Cohen & the Mets have a clear stance on Carlos Mendoza?

While Steve Cohen’s pockets may be bottomless, his lucrative purchases eventually resulted in a lopsided roster. Pete Alonso, Francisco Lindor, and Juan Soto—the faces of the franchise combined for a 15.6 WAR this season. Meanwhile, the Mets’ most reliable starting pitcher, Kodai Senga, ended his season in the minor leagues.

For a payroll as big as $340 million, it’s only natural for the organization to expect the World Series title. But instead, the Mets won’t even see the playoffs this season, and ultimately, many wondered if Juan Soto and Co. would move on from Mendoza. Well, as per SNY’s Andy Martino, they won’t.

“The Mets have absolutely no plans to fire Carlos Mendoza off this collapse. As they shouldn’t,” he noted on X. Still, Mendoza will surely face intense scrutiny for the next few days. For the time being, all fans and analysts will debate whether his leadership deserves another chance.

For the record, Mendoza is under contract for one more season. The Mets have a club option with him for 2027. During his 2024 debut campaign, the Mets had a stunning turnaround. They finished 89-73 and advanced to the NLCS. However, since June, his calls for firing have only gotten louder. Still, the Mets won’t part ways with him anytime soon. But they will certainly make some move to save Juan Soto and Co. for the next season.