It’s been one of — if not the most disappointing — seasons in franchise history. The Mets’ 15-25 record through 40 games is their worst start to a season since 1993, and it has provided fans with very little clarity on what exactly has gone wrong. However, to the dismay of every fan, the man making the calls isn’t worried. David Stearns, the Mets’ president of baseball operations, constructed a roster that has flat-out drowned, taking several gambles on players with significant injury histories.
However, as Stearns noted, it is still early enough; there is still 75% of the season left to play, enough time for the Mets to make a leap somehow and reach the playoffs as expected. The road will not be easy. The Mets must go 74-52 to have a chance at the playoffs, with their odds drifting to 24%. On Monday, Stearns spoke to the media — here’s what was addressed.
David Stearns provides Injury assessments
For the Mets, injuries have been a nightmare. Jorge Polanco and Luis Robert Jr., two of the Mets’ newcomers expected to bring change, remain sidelined on the injured list.
“We absolutely have to look at risk assessment on injured players, or players who get injured when they’re here,” Stearns said when asked about the risk of adding players with injury histories. “We know the risk of bringing them in — we’re feeling it right now.”
For Polanco, Stearns took a risk by signing him to play first base full-time, replacing Pete Alonso while passing on several other options that could have been outstanding fits. The problem? Polanco, a player riddled with nagging injuries involving his knee and ankle, had never played first base until the 2026 season.
The injury history has now been on full display for Mets fans, who have seen the former Mariner appear in just 14 games while missing 26 — more than Alonso missed during his entire tenure with the Mets.
Robert was acquired through a different path. Stearns showed interest at the trade deadline but did not follow through because of the White Sox’s high asking price. This offseason, however, the demand was much smaller. The Mets only gave up infielder Luisangel Acuña to acquire Robert, a player who has not produced consistently for more than two seasons and has also dealt with a plethora of injuries.
Like Polanco, the gamble has not paid off. Robert is currently sidelined with a back injury that has kept him out since April 30.
For both players, the timeline remains vague, with no clear return date and very few answers from Stearns. Francisco Lindor has also been dealing with a calf injury, and more information is expected within the next two days, with Lindor scheduled to undergo an MRI.
A desperation move? Trade deadline approach? David Stearns talks about hope for sudden improvement
While many viewed the promotion of No. 2 prospect A.J. Ewing as a sign of desperation, Stearns feels the exact opposite.
“We wouldn’t have made the decision if we didn’t feel he was ready,” Stearns said. “He’s ready because of the performance. He is very well-rounded. He can handle different situations. He is a mature young player.”
Ewing will provide the Mets with a much-needed contact-first bat, along with consistent outfield defense and speed on the basepaths. However, the move is almost a replica of last season’s promotion of Jonah Tong, another 21-year-old prospect with promise who might not yet be ready for major league play. Still, it is far too early to say Ewing is not ready, with his first test coming against the Tigers, where he is expected to bat eighth.
“He’s going to play,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said when asked if Ewing would platoon with Tyrone Taylor in center field.
Now for the main attraction — the trade deadline, which remains more than two full months away but always looms in the shadows.
“We’re always looking to see if we can improve the team,” Stearns said when asked about potentially adding to the roster. “This isn’t the most vibrant time of the year for external trades, but we will be open-minded.”
Several teams are expected to sell at the deadline, including the Giants, who have already expressed interest in offloading Rafael Devers’ contract. The Red Sox are another team to monitor, one with the star power to change the Mets’ lineup.
Another question looms, however: If the Mets continue to struggle, is there a world in which they sell?
“We aren’t close to that point right now,” Stearns said, shutting down any speculation surrounding current trade discussions.
Over the last several weeks, rumors have circulated that the Mets could have interest in acquiring Freddy Peralta, with the Cubs viewed as a potential team to watch. However, those rumors were quickly shut down.
Stearns left one final message for the fans:
“We recognize the first six weeks haven’t been good enough. We’re disappointed, but we believe that we have the talent to turn this season around.”
