Key Takeaways
- • Carlos Mendoza retains owner backing despite 11-game losing streak: New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza disclosed he has received "supportive" text messages from owner Steve Cohen, signaling continued confidence in his leadership despite the team's early-season struggles entering late April 2026.
- • Cohen resets playoff expectations as non-negotiable: Owner Steve Cohen stated in February that "table stakes is making the playoffs," emphasizing that missing the postseason for a second consecutive year is unacceptable, establishing a clear performance mandate for the 2026 season.
- • Juan Soto's return imminent as offensive catalyst: Star outfielder Juan Soto is expected to return from a calf strain on April 23 (Wednesday), having been sidelined since April 3, with the Post reporting he will be in the lineup as a critical addition to the struggling offense.
- • Mendoza acknowledges results-focused business reality: The manager, formerly a longtime Yankees coach, stated he understands "it's a business and we've got to see results on the field," recognizing that owner patience has finite limits despite current communication remaining constructive.
- • Critical nine-game homestand underway with owner present: Cohen attended the opening of a pivotal nine-game homestand at Citi Field, describing himself as "concerned" with the team's state while maintaining a "calm and focused" demeanor regarding near-term performance and roster adjustments.
Summary
New York Mets manager Carlos Mendoza disclosed that he has maintained supportive communication with owner Steve Cohen amid the team's deteriorating performance, which had reached an 11-game losing streak entering late April 2026. Speaking prior to Tuesday's series opener against the Minnesota Twins, Mendoza confirmed receiving text messages from Cohen and his son Alex, characterizing the owner's outreach as constructive during a period of organizational pressure. "Steve's been great," Mendoza said. "He knows what I'm going through [and] what the team is going through. It's good to hear from him and how supportive he's been."
However, Mendoza's acknowledgment of continued ownership support is tempered by his understanding of organizational realities. The manager, who spent considerable time as a coach with the New York Yankees before accepting the Mets position, stated plainly: "I understand it's a business and we've got to see results on the field." This reflects his recognition that while current communication with Cohen remains positive, prolonged losing will inevitably create pressure for organizational changes.
Cohen has established explicit performance benchmarks for the 2026 season. Speaking in February during spring training, the owner declared that "table stakes is making the playoffs," and emphasized that missing the postseason for two consecutive years is unacceptable. Cohen, whose Point72 Asset Management manages approximately $41.5 billion in assets, has invested substantially in the Mets roster and views playoff qualification as a minimum organizational objective rather than an aspirational goal.
The organization is banking on roster reinforcements to reverse early-season trajectory. Star outfielder Juan Soto, sidelined since April 3 with a calf strain, is expected to return to the lineup on April 23, providing offensive support to a team struggling through its critical nine-game homestand. Cohen attended the homestand opening at Citi Field and conveyed that he remains "concerned" with the team's current state while maintaining that he is "calm and focused" regarding near-term adjustments and performance recovery. The interplay between ownership support and performance accountability will likely define the organizational narrative throughout April and May.
However, Mendoza's acknowledgment of continued ownership support is tempered by his understanding of organizational realities. The manager, who spent considerable time as a coach with the New York Yankees before accepting the Mets position, stated plainly: "I understand it's a business and we've got to see results on the field." This reflects his recognition that while current communication with Cohen remains positive, prolonged losing will inevitably create pressure for organizational changes.
Cohen has established explicit performance benchmarks for the 2026 season. Speaking in February during spring training, the owner declared that "table stakes is making the playoffs," and emphasized that missing the postseason for two consecutive years is unacceptable. Cohen, whose Point72 Asset Management manages approximately $41.5 billion in assets, has invested substantially in the Mets roster and views playoff qualification as a minimum organizational objective rather than an aspirational goal.
The organization is banking on roster reinforcements to reverse early-season trajectory. Star outfielder Juan Soto, sidelined since April 3 with a calf strain, is expected to return to the lineup on April 23, providing offensive support to a team struggling through its critical nine-game homestand. Cohen attended the homestand opening at Citi Field and conveyed that he remains "concerned" with the team's current state while maintaining that he is "calm and focused" regarding near-term adjustments and performance recovery. The interplay between ownership support and performance accountability will likely define the organizational narrative throughout April and May.
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