The New York Mets — a team that has spent more than $350 million on payroll in recent years — are once again mired in mediocrity. Despite all the hype, money, and star power, the Mets’ on-field performance continues to fall short of expectations. From missing the playoffs in 2023 to underperforming in crucial moments, the Mets have failed to capitalize on their financial investments. So, the question must be asked: Is it time to blow up the Mets? Could a full rebuild be the only way forward for a team that has squandered so many opportunities?
The Rise and Fall of the Mets’ “Win-Now” Era
When Steve Cohen took over as owner in late 2020, Mets fans were filled with optimism. The days of penny-pinching ownership were behind them, and Cohen, a billionaire hedge fund manager, had the deep pockets to make the Mets a serious contender. The 2021 offseason was marked by major splashes — the Mets signed Francisco Lindor to a massive 10-year, $341 million deal and traded for Carlos Carrasco, adding a veteran arm to a promising rotation.
In 2022, Cohen doubled down. The Mets opened their wallet and spent big again, signing Max Scherzer to a record-breaking three-year, $130 million deal and bringing in other notable free agents like Starling Marte and Mark Canha. The result? A 101-win season — the best in the National League — but no World Series appearance. Instead, the Mets fell short in the playoffs, losing to the San Diego Padres in the Wild Card round, leaving fans with the bitter taste of “what could have been.”
2023 was supposed to be different. The Mets made an even bigger splash by acquiring Justin Verlander, re-signing Scherzer, and continuing to stack their roster with stars. However, a series of underwhelming performances, injuries, and inconsistent play plagued the team. Despite one of the highest payrolls in MLB history, the Mets finished with a losing record and were nowhere near playoff contention by the end of the season.
So, what went wrong? How could a team with all these high-priced players and championship aspirations end up in the same place as the low-budget, underdog teams?
The Flaws of a “Win-Now” Approach
The Mets’ “win-now” strategy has been predicated on acquiring proven stars at the tail end of their careers. Scherzer, Verlander, and other veterans have delivered at times, but injuries, age, and inconsistency have hurt the team. Scherzer missed significant time in 2023, and Verlander’s performance wasn’t the dominant force expected from a two-time Cy Young winner.
Meanwhile, key pieces of the Mets’ roster — like Francisco Lindor, Pete Alonso, and Jeff McNeil — have failed to consistently live up to expectations. While Lindor’s defense and leadership have been invaluable, his bat has been erratic. Alonso, despite hitting home runs, has often struggled with strikeouts, leaving him unable to be the consistent force the Mets need. And McNeil, once a batting champion, has battled injuries and inconsistencies in the lineup.
Furthermore, the Mets’ reliance on a veteran-heavy roster has left them with little room to grow. Top prospects like Francisco Álvarez, Brett Baty, and Mark Vientos have shown promise but have been overshadowed by the veterans brought in to “win now.” This dynamic has created a team in limbo, where the Mets are too good to completely tank but not good enough to seriously compete for a championship.
The Case for a Full Rebuild
At this point, the Mets may have no choice but to consider blowing up their current roster and embarking on a full rebuild. Here are a few reasons why this might be the most sensible option:
- Aging Core and Expensive Contracts
The Mets’ biggest problem is that their best players are in their 30s. Scherzer and Verlander are both in the twilight of their careers, and while they can still be effective, they aren’t the foundation of a championship team. Meanwhile, Lindor’s massive contract, which extends through 2031, makes him virtually unmovable unless the Mets are willing to eat significant money — something they may need to consider if they want to reset the team’s financial outlook. - The Lack of a True Contender
Despite the high payroll, the Mets are not a true championship contender. They haven’t had the depth in pitching or hitting to go all the way, and it’s clear that the win-now approach has failed. Trading veterans like Scherzer, Verlander, and even Lindor for prospects could replenish the Mets’ farm system and build for the future. This would give the team a solid foundation for the years to come, instead of continuing to patch up a roster with aging stars that can’t deliver. - The Lack of Postseason Success
The Mets have had just one postseason appearance in the last six years, and they’ve lost in the Wild Card or Division Series in each of those appearances. Despite spending big, the Mets have failed to build a sustained winner. A rebuild could free them from the cycle of disappointment and give them a clear path forward, where they can focus on developing a new core of young players. - Maximizing Value for Trade Pieces
Players like Pete Alonso and Jeff McNeil are valuable trade assets that could help the Mets build a new core. Alonso, in particular, could fetch a significant return if the Mets decide to trade him before he hits free agency. With the DH now entrenched in the league, Alonso’s bat is more valuable to a team looking for power and run production. The Mets could retool around their young stars while maximizing value for the players they no longer see as part of their future. - The Steve Cohen Factor
Steve Cohen’s wealth and commitment to winning are assets, but they’ve also created expectations that the team must contend immediately. A rebuild doesn’t mean the Mets have to bottom out completely. They could trade their aging veterans for prospects while still building a competitive roster that can make a playoff push in a few seasons. With Cohen’s financial power, the Mets could still spend on key players in the future, just with a clearer and more sustainable plan.
A Difficult but Necessary Decision
Blowing up the Mets may not be the popular choice, but it could be the most sensible one. The team is stuck in a middle ground between competing for a championship and rebuilding for the future. Continuing down the path of throwing money at aging veterans has proven to be a short-term solution with no long-term payoff.
Mets fans have been patient, but patience is wearing thin. A full rebuild may be the only way for the Mets to break free of the cycle of disappointment and start building a foundation for sustained success. It’s a painful choice, but in the long run, it could lead to a brighter future for the franchise — one that finally brings a World Series back to Flushing.
