For 161 games, the New York Mets had at least a solid chance at making the NL playoff field. However, after a 4-0 loss to the Miami Marlins in their regular-season finale, the Mets did not make the postseason. After a stunning NL Championship Series (NLCS) run in 2024, much more was expected of New York in 2025.

Owner Steve Cohen allowed the expansion of a payroll that was already in the MLB's top five to $342 million. President of baseball operations David Stearns flexed the Mets' financial muscle, signing superstar outfielder Juan Soto to a Major League record 15-year, $765 million deal. The Soto deal was supposed to push New York over the edge, as his performance during a march to the World Series with the crosstown New York Yankees was a transcendent one.

However, despite the

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