Mets seeking turnaround after slow start to season The New York Mets are grappling with a credibility crisis as they enter the second decade of the season with a 7-9 record, having lost five consecutive games. The team’s offensive struggles have been particularly glaring, with their lineup failing to generate consistent pressure at the plate. The situation has drawn sharp criticism, including a front-page headline in the New York Post that read, “GETTING LATE EARLY,” a reference to the Mets’ alarming pace of play. The frustration intensified after a 1-0 loss to the Oakland Athletics on Sunday, marking their fifth straight defeat at Citi Field. The loss came just days before a grueling cross-country trip to face the two-time defending World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, further complicating their path to a competitive season. Despite the early struggles, the Mets still have 146 games remaining in the season, and their roster remains one of the most talented in Major League Baseball. The team’s depth and star power—highlighted by players like Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto—should theoretically provide a strong foundation for success. However, the lack of results has raised questions about the team’s ability to translate potential into performance. Last year, the Mets faced similar challenges, losing their NL East lead and squandering a Wild Card berth on the final day of the season. The parallels have led fans to question whether the current season will follow the same troubling trajectory. President of baseball operations David Stearns and manager Carlos Mendoza have consistently emphasized patience, insisting that the team’s struggles are part of a longer-term plan.#new_york_mets #francisco_lindor #carlos_mendoza #new_york_post #david_stearns
Jeff McNeil Returns to Citi Field for First Time as a Member of the Opposition Jeff McNeil returned to Citi Field on Friday for the first time as a member of the opposition, marking a significant moment in his career as he played for the Oakland A’s against his former team, the New York Mets. The occasion allowed him to address lingering questions about his relationship with former teammate Francisco Lindor, who now plays for the Mets. McNeil dismissed reports of a heated confrontation between the two players, clarifying that their June 20, 2025, incident in Philadelphia was a minor argument rather than a fight. “We just had a little argument. It was no big deal,” he said, emphasizing that the incident had no bearing on the Mets’ decision to trade him in December 2025 for Minor League pitcher Yordan Rodriguez. McNeil also acknowledged that the reported altercation was not the first time he and Lindor had clashed. The two had a separate disagreement early in their 2021 season together with the Mets. Despite these tensions, McNeil expressed admiration for Lindor, calling him “a great guy, a good person” and “one of the best shortstops to ever do it.” He wished Lindor “all the best” in his career, reflecting on the positive memories of their time as teammates. “I enjoyed my time playing with him,” McNeil said, adding that he hoped their paths would cross again in the future. The Mets’ decision to trade McNeil in December 2025 came after a period of significant roster changes. Over three months, the team parted ways with key players including Brandon Nimmo, Pete Alonso, Edwin Díaz, and ultimately McNeil. Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns had previously reached out to McNeil in November 2025, following the trade of Nimmo to the Rangers, to discuss his potential role as an outfielder in 2026.#new_york_mets #francisco_lindor #david_stearns #jeff_mcneil #oakland_ats
Jeff McNeil's Emotional Return to Citi Field Marks a Bittersweet Night for Former Met NEW YORK -- Jeff McNeil’s return to Citi Field on Wednesday carried a weight of nostalgia and emotional resonance, as the former New York Mets star stepped back into the stadium where he spent his entire professional career. The moment was underscored by a deep breath in the batter’s box, a ritual he had perfected over the years, but this time it felt different. “Spent, up to now, my entire career with that team, so it’s pretty special,” McNeil said, his voice tinged with emotion. The 34-year-old outfielder, who turned 34 on Wednesday, admitted to being “a little choked up” as he stood near the dugout, watching a nearly minute-long tribute to his legacy before the first pitch. McNeil’s journey to Citi Field began with his 2013 draft selection by the Mets, a moment that launched his MLB career. Over the years, he became a key player for the franchise, culminating in his 2022 National League batting title, which solidified his status as one of the league’s premier hitters. However, his tenure with the Mets came to an end in December 2023 as part of general manager David Stearns’ offseason overhaul. The trade that sent McNeil to the Oakland Athletics also saw the departure of fellow stars like Brandon Nimmo, Pete Alonso, and Edwin Díaz, marking a significant shift in the team’s roster. The transition was not without its challenges. McNeil reflected on the surreal nature of the offseason, recalling a conversation with a teammate who asked, “Who do you know?” He responded, “Well, I haven’t played with a lot of these guys.” The remark highlighted the unfamiliarity of the A’s roster, which had undergone its own transformation.#new_york_mets #citi_field #david_stearns #oakland_athletics #jeff_mcneil
Opening Day for NY Mets Against Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field The New York Mets kicked off their 2026 season on Thursday with a matchup against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Citi Field. The game, set for 1:15 p.m., marks the beginning of a new chapter for the team after a challenging 2025 season. The Mets, who finished with the best record in baseball earlier in the year, struggled down the stretch and missed the playoffs entirely. Team owner Steve Cohen and President of Baseball Operations David Stearns spent the offseason reshaping the roster, making significant changes to the lineup. Notable departures include fan favorites Edwin Diaz, Pete Alonso, and Brandon Nimmo. In contrast, the team has welcomed several new players, including pitcher Freddy Peralta, who was acquired in a trade. Peralta, regarded as one of the league’s top starting pitchers, will be the centerpiece of the Mets’ rotation. The lineup also features additions such as infielders Bo Bichette, Jorge Polanco, and Marcus Semien, who bring fresh energy and experience to the squad. Manager Carlos Mendoza expressed enthusiasm about the team’s readiness for the season, stating his excitement to see the players take the field. Despite the Mets’ strong historical performance on opening days, this year’s game presents a formidable challenge. They will face the reigning Cy Young Award winner, Paul Skenes, in a matchup that could set the tone for the season. The team’s opening day record remains the best in Major League Baseball, but the stakes are high as they aim to build on their offseason improvements. The game’s significance extends beyond the field, as it represents a fresh start for a team looking to rebound from a disappointing finish.#new_york_mets #pittsburgh_pirates #citi_field #steve_cohen #david_stearns
