Blame for Mets' horrendous start to season should fall on David Stearns

The manager and coaching staff are typically the first casualties when a team does not perform to expectations. Such is likely to be the case with the New York Mets.

The Mets entered Friday with a 14-23 record, tied with the Giants for the worst record in baseball. The Mets offense has been putrid, ranking 29th in the majors in runs (134), OPS (.644) and on-base percentage (.293), 26th with 30 home runs and 30th in slugging percentage (.351).

Unless things change dramatically, manager Carlos Mendoza and the coaching staff are likely to be dismissed. However, they can only use the players they are given. In that case, president of baseball operations, David Stearns, deserves far more scrutiny.

New York Mets' problems result of David Stearns "vision"

Stearns began the offseason claiming that the Mets would focus on run prevention during the offseason. After acquiring second baseman Marcus Semien for his defense, he pivoted to infielders Jorge Polanco and Bo Bichette to play first and third, respectively. As that duo had a combined inning of major league experience at those positions, Stearns seemingly abandoned his plan as the offseason wore on.

Neither contract has worked out thus far. Polanco posted a miserable .179/.246/.286 batting line in 61 plate appearances before landing on the Injured List. Bichette, meanwhile, has posted a disappointing .237/.276/.309 batting line in 163 plate appearances, hitting two homers and five doubles. He has also struggled defensively, costing the Mets four runs at third.

Stearns has not done himself any favors in building the roster. He had angered first baseman Pete Alonso during negotiations for his return in 2025, with Alonso reportedly taking a shot at Stearns' formulas. The Mets' anemic offense could use Alonso's powerful bat right now.

The New York Mets have struggled to begin the 2026 season. Any blame should focus on Stearns' "vision" for the roster.