The New York Mets enter June with a 26-33 record. After a three-game sweep that capped a strong May, the team sits at a crossroads. With all indications pointing towards becoming sellers at the trade deadline, the president of baseball operations, David Stearns, believes the team can navigate towards a playoff run.
“We’re not there yet. We’ve got time, so we’re not there yet.” DStearns told MLB.com writer Anthony DiComo. While the team made playoff runs in the past, it was left for all but elimination. With 1969, 2015, and 2024 jumping to mind, there is historical evidence. However, a vast difference exists.
Mets sweep the Marlins
– Nolan McLean needed that one bad
– Narrowly escaped that messy 4th
– 4-1 since Jared Young returned lol
– Ewing defense was really nice this game
– Huge bullpen off day, shoutout DP
– Juan Soto, you are just incredibleCan’t quit this stupid team pic.twitter.com/1YENGksvR5
— jack (@Jolly_Olive) May 31, 2026
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The 2026 Team Bears No Resemblance to the Past
In 2015, the Mets traded two prospects for outfielder Yoenis Cespedes. In 57 games, the team went 35-22, with the veteran hitting 17 home runs and a .942 OPS. Manager Terry Collins led a postseason run that landed the team in the World Series. In 2024, those Mets parlayed a late-season explosion to take the eventual champion Los Angeles Dodgers to six games in the National League Championship Series.
BTW: This is what started the Mets turnaround in 2024… A walk-off two-run HR against the Marlins.
MJ Melendez did the same thing Friday — the Mets are 3-0 since. pic.twitter.com/4HiK99FKYu
— SleeperMets (@SleeperMets) June 1, 2026
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Initial Trade Market Projections Do Not Impress Stearns
While the trade market isn’t until August 3, teams will start structuring their deadline moves. Also, on June 1, he believes that it is too early to solidify plans. Additionally, it appears he is strictly focused not just on salvaging but on winning.
“We have not had a good year so far, there’s no question,” Stearns said. “We’re not where we thought we would be. We’ve dug ourselves a hole. It’s not an insurmountable hole, but it’s definitely a hole. And we’re going to have to play a lot better baseball to do what we want to do this year.
The Math Fits Stearns’ Optimism
Since the playoff expansion in 2022, 86 wins have become the benchmark for teams entering the postseason. The Meys will need to go 56-47 to reach that mark. While not impossible, the team cannot endure a lengthy losing streak. Plus, they will definitely need to climb above .500 and stay ahead of it. In May, the team posted a .571 winning percentage, which shows their ability to win and build streaks.
GettyNew York Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns.
Injured Starters Should Begin to Help
In the next month or so, the Franciscos, second baseman Lindor, and catcher Alvarez missed extensive chunks of the season with injuries. Same from designated hitter Jorge Polanco. The offence needs the trio not only to return but also to produce.
Lindor, one of the longest-tenured players, posted a .226 average and was plagued by mental lapses. On the other hand, players like Kodai Senga and Luis Robert Jr could take a little longer. However, after being supplanted by Christian Scott and A.J. Ewing, respectively, the duo could find themselves as trade bait.
Francisco Lindor is on the field today before the game pic.twitter.com/xfmD7Y1dqH
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) May 30, 2026
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The Next Road Trip Provides a Crucial Look
Tonight, the Mets start a six-game road trip, taking on the San Diego Padres (32-26) and Seattle Mariners (31-29). As of this writing, the Padres are a wildcard team despite being 5.5 games behind the Dodgers. In contrast, the Mariners sit alone in first place in the AL West. Six games may not look like a true test, but facing good teams and winning will dictate the course of the team for the rest of the season.
DESTROYED!@JuanSoto25_ GRAND SLAM! 🔥 pic.twitter.com/Ta1jcuh1bo
— New York Mets (@Mets) May 31, 2026
“It’s Not an Insurmountable Hole”: Mets GM David Stearns Exercises Mid-Season Optimism