How the Mets Spent Over $340 Million on World Series Dreams—and Didn’t Even Reach the Playoffs!

After a strong win against the San Francisco Giants on July 27, the New York Mets seemed set for success, boasting 62 wins and a high likelihood—96.8%—of making the postseason, according to Fangraphs. However, just over two months later, their season ended unceremoniously with only 83 wins and no playoff spot.

Team owner Steve Cohen expressed his disappointment, issuing a heartfelt apology to fans. He acknowledged their unwavering support and promised a deep dive into the reasons behind the team’s underperformance. “We didn’t do our part,” he admitted, reminding everyone just how much the team’s performance matters to its dedicated fanbase.

Despite spending over $342 million on player payroll—making it the second-highest in baseball—the Mets couldn’t deliver. This situation stood in stark contrast to the other four top-spending teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Yankees, all of which secured playoff berths.

To add to their woes, the Mets ended the season with a disappointing 21-35 record from late July through late September. Intriguingly, they still had a shot at a wild card spot on the last day of the regular season, but a loss to the Miami Marlins, the cheapest team in the league, sealed their fate. The Marlins, who spent less than $70 million on their roster—under 20% of what the Mets spent—defeated them 4-0 to effectively end New York’s postseason dreams.

Mets manager Carlos Mendoza described the feeling: “It’s pain. It’s frustration.” It was a stark fall from grace given the Mets had the best record in baseball back in June. They started strong at 45-24 but spiraled to a poor 38-55 finish in their last 93 games.

A significant factor in their decline was pitching injuries. Frequent changes in the rotation led to inexperienced players taking critical spots, putting extra strain on their bullpen.

Star outfielder Juan Soto, who signed a record-breaking 15-year, $765 million deal, struggled as well. He faced a dip in performance, which only added to the frustration. “It’s a failure,” he said plainly. “Any time you don’t make it to the playoffs or win a championship, it’s a failure.”

Reflecting on the Mets’ chaotic season reveals a trend that goes beyond New York. A study showed that teams with high payrolls are not guaranteed success; performance hinges on a mix of strategy, health, and execution. In a sport where injuries can disrupt even the best-laid plans, this season serves as a reminder of how quickly fortunes can turn, emphasizing that spending big doesn’t always guarantee results.



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