It started with a restless night in Queens. Mets fans were still replaying the previous evening’s collapse to the Phillies in their heads, scrolling box scores, and wondering how this team, this $339 million payroll monster, could look this vulnerable with around 17 games to play. The tension wasn’t just in the stands anymore. Whispers around Citi Field suggest fans want Steve Cohen to intervene, but so far, his public stance has remained measured, frustration on social media, but no reported front-office shakeup or clubhouse address.

The culprit, many believe, is the front office’s boldest gamble: investing $75 million combined in Sean Manaea and Frankie Montas. Manaea, in particular, has been disastrous. He has allowed four or more runs in six of his last seven starts, carrying an ERA of 5.76, and Manaea has allowed 4+ runs in five of his last six outings. The Mets’ once-secure wild-card cushion has shrunk to just two games over the Giants, with the Reds lurking three games behind as well. For a team that spent big to compete now, the margin of error has disappeared.

Former Marlins president David Samson captured the frustration perfectly on his show, Nothing Personal, saying: “I hope that you didn’t watch the Mets lose to the Phillies last night and be in full panic… I hope that you’re totally calm with the realization that Sean Manaea should never ever start a game again for the New York Mets. I hope that you’re fine with a $34 million, 2-year deal given to Manaea and Montas that you recognize that Stevie’s got the money to burn and might as well have taken the $68 million and put it into his fireplace.”

The Mets’ remaining schedule doesn’t offer much breathing room. After the current Phillies series, they have nine games at home before finishing with six on the road against the Cubs and Marlins, two teams fighting for their own postseason lives. Every start, every bullpen decision will now be magnified, with Cohen reportedly pushing Stearns and Mendoza to act decisively. The next two weeks could decide whether this season is remembered as an expensive disappointment or a late rally that saved a contender’s reputation.

Mets manager backs his lefty despite tough stretch

Carlos Mendoza isn’t flinching under the heat of September baseball. After Sean Manaea surrendered 4 earned runs across five innings in Tuesday’s 9–3 loss to the Phillies, many expected a shakeup in the rotation. Instead, Mendoza made it clear that Manaea will remain part of the plan. A confirmation to MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo that the left-hander “will make his next start.” It’s a bold stance at a time when every inning feels magnified.

The decision comes as Manaea continues to search for consistency. His season ERA now sits at 5.76 through 50 innings, and he owns a 7.71 ERA over his last seven starts, numbers that have amplified concerns during the Mets’ playoff chase. Still, Mendoza is choosing to lean on the veteran, noting that Manaea’s final three innings against Philadelphia were sharper and could be something to build on. That vote of confidence keeps Manaea in the mix for a critical upcoming series against the Padres, a direct Wild Card rival.

What’s setting the stakes even higher is the shaky rotation depth. With Kodai Senga optioned to Triple-A, the Mets are scrambling to use a six-man rotation that includes three rookies. Between the urgency of their Wild Card push and the reliance on inexperienced arms, Mendoza’s backing of Manaea isn’t just trust; it’s a necessity. As Mendoza put it: “But we’re going to need this guy,” he said. “We brought this guy in here to make an impact, and our job is to continue to help him. Obviously, the last three innings were a lot better, and hopefully he can take some positives out of this outing with that.” With the team’s Wild Card cushion down to just two games, New York is betting that a rebound from Manaea could stabilize a staff that badly needs length down the stretch.