Three questions facing the Mets this offseason

The New York Mets were hoping to shake off their 2025 second-half collapse and return to the postseason in 2026. Instead, the Mets finished in the NL East basement for the first time since 2003.

There were a myriad of factors in their disappointing season. Injuries played a part as outfielder Juan Soto and shortstop Francisco Lindor missed significant time. The pitching staff failed to live up to expectations. Virtually every free-agent signing or trade acquisition proved to be a disappointment.

The Mets will enter the 2027 season with the same World Series aspirations. However, there are many questions surrounding the roster and organization. Let's look at three of the biggest questions facing the Mets this offseason.

Three questions facing the New York Mets

1. What to do with Kodai Senga?

Senga had been expected to be a key part of the Mets rotation entering 2026. He appeared ready to reestablish himself as a solid starter over his first two outings, only to fall apart, posting a 9.66 ERA and a 1.800 WHIP over his 31.2 innings. Senga was then moved to the bullpen, posting a 4.85 ERA and a 1.483 WHIP over 29.2 innings, eventually taking over as the Mets closer when Devin Williams landed on the injured list.

The Mets have significant holes in the rotation and bullpen. Senga has extensive experience in both roles, although the majority of his time as a reliever came during his time in Nippon Professional Baseball. Based on his success as a closer at the end of the season, Senga may be most valuable as a setup man or in a multi-inning fireman role.

2. Can the Mets find a replacement for Pete Alonso?

The Mets infamously let Alonso walk in free agency, opting to replace him at first base with infielder Jorge Polanco, who had all of one inning of professional experience at the position. An injury-riddled season kept Polanco to a total of 20 innings at first in 2026 as eight different players made an appearance at the position. The Mets received minimal production at the position as their first basemen combined for a .231/.287/.380 batting line with 18 homers in 649 plate appearances, ranking last in the majors with -1.4 fWAR.

Help may not be coming in free agency. Alec Bohm, Jake Bauers and Ty France may be the best players available on the open market, none of which may be an upgrade over Jared Young. The Mets could look to get creative or explore the trade market, but they could find themselves regretting allowing Alonso to leave for at least one more season.

3. Will president of baseball operations David Stearns survive another disappointing season?

The Mets disappointing 2026 season led to changes in the dugout. Manager Carlos Mendoza was fired after a 34-47 record, with Andy Green taking over. The Mets had a 40-41 record under Green, good enough for Stearns to remove the interim tag.

The pressure is squarely on Stearns heading into 2027. While team owner Steve Cohen gave Stearns a vote of confidence in July, the Mets have gotten progressively worse over his three years in charge. If the Mets struggle again and miss the postseason, Stearns could find himself on the unemployment line.