David Stearns said Mets roster decisions left the 2026 team short on flexibility, making in-season adjustments difficult when players underperformed. New York missed the playoffs for a second straight year and finished last in the NL East.
Stearns called the season's disappointment real but said the club still has a foundation for the success it expects. He said first-base production was inadequate after Pete Alonso left in free agency for the Orioles and posted a career year at the plate.
Stearns said the Mets need to add starting pitching and are reviewing injury procedures, including spring-training ramp-ups, with some changes possible. He had not discussed Bo Bichette's player option with Bichette. Kodai Senga's role will be assessed in spring training, and Tylor Megill and Reed Garrett, recovering from elbow surgery, are expected to be available to compete then.
