Key Takeaways
- • Steve Cohen declared David Stearns will "live out" the remainder of his five-year contract through 2028, securing the Mets president of baseball operations' job despite organizational underperformance in 2026.
- • The Mets' 36-50 record as of July 1, 2026, places them last in the NL East, 14.5 games behind Atlanta, with less than 1% playoff probability according to SportsLine—directly attributed by Cohen to decisions made during Stearns' recent offseason restructuring.
- • Stearns' offseason moves included allowing Pete Alonso (franchise all-time home run leader) and closer Edwin Díaz to depart via free agency, while trading away Jeff McNeil and Brandon Nimmo; Nimmo and Alonso are performing productively for their new teams (Texas Rangers and Baltimore Orioles, respectively).
- • Cohen affirmed Stearns is "reflective and adaptable," stating "it won't be David" when discussing necessary organizational changes, effectively signaling the manager position (Carlos Mendoza was recently fired) rather than front office leadership will bear accountability.
- • The decision to honor Stearns' contract represents a significant commitment of capital and organizational patience despite the team's worst-in-division performance and minimal postseason viability heading into the second half of the 2026 season.
Summary
New York Mets owner Steve Cohen has publicly committed to retaining David Stearns as president of baseball operations through the duration of his five-year contract, which runs through 2028. Speaking on a New York Post podcast released on July 1, 2026, Cohen stated unequivocally that Stearns will "live out" his remaining contract term despite the organization's significant struggles during the 2026 season. The announcement comes amid widespread speculation about potential front office changes following a disappointing offseason and one of the most underperforming seasons in recent franchise history.
As of July 1, 2026, the Mets hold a 36-50 record, placing them in last place in the National League East, 14.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves and 10 games out of wild-card contention. SportsLine calculations show the team has less than a 1% probability of making the postseason. Cohen directly attributed the team's struggles to roster decisions implemented by Stearns during the 2026 offseason, including the departures of franchise cornerstone players Pete Alonso (all-time home run leader) and closer Edwin Díaz through free agency, as well as trades of Jeff McNeil and Brandon Nimmo. Notably, both Nimmo and Alonso have performed productively for their new organizations—Nimmo with the Texas Rangers and Alonso tied for seventh in American League home runs with the Baltimore Orioles.
Despite these documented failures in personnel decisions, Cohen characterized Stearns as "reflective and adaptable," stating that while changes will be necessary, "it won't be David" leading those changes. This messaging shifted accountability toward the managerial level, reflected in the recent firing of Carlos Mendoza, whom Stearns had hired. Cohen's explicit commitment to honor the contract represents a significant organizational and financial endorsement of continuity in baseball operations leadership, positioning Stearns to lead the franchise's turnaround efforts through 2028 regardless of near-term performance outcomes.
As of July 1, 2026, the Mets hold a 36-50 record, placing them in last place in the National League East, 14.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves and 10 games out of wild-card contention. SportsLine calculations show the team has less than a 1% probability of making the postseason. Cohen directly attributed the team's struggles to roster decisions implemented by Stearns during the 2026 offseason, including the departures of franchise cornerstone players Pete Alonso (all-time home run leader) and closer Edwin Díaz through free agency, as well as trades of Jeff McNeil and Brandon Nimmo. Notably, both Nimmo and Alonso have performed productively for their new organizations—Nimmo with the Texas Rangers and Alonso tied for seventh in American League home runs with the Baltimore Orioles.
Despite these documented failures in personnel decisions, Cohen characterized Stearns as "reflective and adaptable," stating that while changes will be necessary, "it won't be David" leading those changes. This messaging shifted accountability toward the managerial level, reflected in the recent firing of Carlos Mendoza, whom Stearns had hired. Cohen's explicit commitment to honor the contract represents a significant organizational and financial endorsement of continuity in baseball operations leadership, positioning Stearns to lead the franchise's turnaround efforts through 2028 regardless of near-term performance outcomes.
Go deeper than the headline
Research every firm in this story, track the ones that matter and get the daily briefing — free for 7 days.