Key Takeaways
- • The Mets finished 74-88 and missed the postseason for a second straight year in 2026, while average Citi Field attendance fell 14.8 percent to 33,901, according to the SNY coverage cited in the source article.
- • SNY MLB insider Chelsea Janes said owner Steve Cohen "definitely" feels urgency, an inference drawn from Cohen's postseason declaration and his admission that last winter's overhaul carried too much risk; Cohen has not publicly confirmed it.
- • Cohen said in a September SNY appearance that the front office could be supported in ways other than hiring a general manager, as Stearns has operated without a GM since Billy Eppler stepped down in October 2023.
- • Free agent left-hander Tarik Skubal, a two-time AL Cy Young winner, is the offseason's biggest decision, with projections above $300 million and the Dodgers still favored.
- • The Mets carry a projected 2027 luxury tax payroll of $306.8 million, $59.8 million over the $247 million threshold and an $11.3 million tax bill per Spotrac, with the CBA expiring December 1.
Summary
The New York Mets enter a consequential offseason after finishing the 2026 season at 74-88 and missing the postseason for a second consecutive year. The season had bright spots: outfielder Carson Benge became the first rookie in franchise history to reach 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases, and right-hander Nolan McLean struck out 194. Even so, average Citi Field attendance dropped 14.8 percent to 33,901.
Owner Steve Cohen had publicly declared that the Mets had to reach the postseason. On SNY's Baseball Night in New York, MLB insider Chelsea Janes said Cohen "definitely" feels urgency, "even though it may not be evident to fans all the time." Cohen has not publicly confirmed that characterization. Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns later acknowledged that last winter's overhaul carried too much risk. In a September SNY appearance, Cohen outlined a front office structure in which support for Stearns could take forms other than a general manager. Stearns has operated without a GM since Billy Eppler stepped down in October 2023. Derek Falvey, who previously led Minnesota Twins baseball operations, joined the Mets as senior advisor.
The largest decision involves Tarik Skubal, a free agent left-hander who won consecutive AL Cy Young Awards. Skubal pitched 158.2 innings across the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers in 2026 after elbow surgery in May. Projections exceed $300 million, and the Dodgers remain favored. Janes argued that the decision is immediately within the club's control: "As long as Tarik Skubal wants to be a Met, he can go do it."
Other needs are more incremental. At second base, Marcus Semien is owed $24 million over the tax figure after an offensive slump and defensive regression, and prospects Jefferson Rojas, Mitch Voit, and Émilien Pitre could debut in 2027. First base is also a need after Pete Alonso departed for the Baltimore Orioles, where he led the American League with 43 home runs. In the bullpen, Devin Williams posted a 4.43 ERA and 1.57 WHIP over 40.2 innings, making Adrian Morejon, who posted a 2.83 ERA and 107 strikeouts with the San Diego Padres, a logical target.
Financially, Spotrac projects a 2027 luxury tax payroll of $306.8 million, $59.8 million over the $247 million threshold and an $11.3 million tax bill. The source notes the CBA expires December 1 and that a work stoppage appears almost inevitable, which could push Stearns to act on Skubal, Morejon, or a first baseman before a transaction freeze.
Owner Steve Cohen had publicly declared that the Mets had to reach the postseason. On SNY's Baseball Night in New York, MLB insider Chelsea Janes said Cohen "definitely" feels urgency, "even though it may not be evident to fans all the time." Cohen has not publicly confirmed that characterization. Cohen and president of baseball operations David Stearns later acknowledged that last winter's overhaul carried too much risk. In a September SNY appearance, Cohen outlined a front office structure in which support for Stearns could take forms other than a general manager. Stearns has operated without a GM since Billy Eppler stepped down in October 2023. Derek Falvey, who previously led Minnesota Twins baseball operations, joined the Mets as senior advisor.
The largest decision involves Tarik Skubal, a free agent left-hander who won consecutive AL Cy Young Awards. Skubal pitched 158.2 innings across the Detroit Tigers and Los Angeles Dodgers in 2026 after elbow surgery in May. Projections exceed $300 million, and the Dodgers remain favored. Janes argued that the decision is immediately within the club's control: "As long as Tarik Skubal wants to be a Met, he can go do it."
Other needs are more incremental. At second base, Marcus Semien is owed $24 million over the tax figure after an offensive slump and defensive regression, and prospects Jefferson Rojas, Mitch Voit, and Émilien Pitre could debut in 2027. First base is also a need after Pete Alonso departed for the Baltimore Orioles, where he led the American League with 43 home runs. In the bullpen, Devin Williams posted a 4.43 ERA and 1.57 WHIP over 40.2 innings, making Adrian Morejon, who posted a 2.83 ERA and 107 strikeouts with the San Diego Padres, a logical target.
Financially, Spotrac projects a 2027 luxury tax payroll of $306.8 million, $59.8 million over the $247 million threshold and an $11.3 million tax bill. The source notes the CBA expires December 1 and that a work stoppage appears almost inevitable, which could push Stearns to act on Skubal, Morejon, or a first baseman before a transaction freeze.
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