Key Takeaways
- • Stearns' Job Security Confirmed: Mets owner Steve Cohen publicly declared that President of Baseball Operations David Stearns will "live out" the remainder of his five-year contract through the 2028 season, despite the team's 36-50 record and last-place standing in the NL East as of July 1, 2026.
- • Manager Change, Leadership Continuity: The Mets dismissed manager Carlos Mendoza but Cohen made clear that organizational changes will not extend to Stearns, stating "We'll figure out what changes need to be made, but it won't be David."
- • Cohen Defends Stearns' Track Record: Cohen cited the Mets' near-World Series appearance in 2024 as evidence that Stearns deserves evaluation beyond the current disappointing 2026 season, framing the executive's tenure as "mixed record" rather than failed.
- • Disappointing 2026 Season Despite Roster Investment: The Mets made significant roster moves this offseason—including the loss of Pete Alonso to Baltimore, trades of Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil, and acquisitions of Freddy Peralta, Luis Robert Jr., and Marcus Semien—but injuries and underperformance have undermined those investments.
- • Stearns Maintains Support Despite Criticism: Cohen's podcast appearance on "The Show" with Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman represents a direct institutional vote of confidence in Stearns at a critical juncture, signaling the owner's commitment to long-term roster building over reactive personnel changes.
Summary
Steve Cohen, owner of the New York Mets, publicly affirmed David Stearns' job security on July 1, 2026, declaring that the President of Baseball Operations will remain in his position through the conclusion of his five-year contract, which extends through the 2028 season. The announcement came via an appearance on "The Show" podcast hosted by Jon Heyman and Joel Sherman, during which Cohen explicitly stated that Stearns is "safe" despite organizational turmoil surrounding the team's disappointing 2026 campaign.
The timing of Cohen's declaration is significant. The Mets have already dismissed manager Carlos Mendoza amid a 36-50 record and last-place finish in the NL East, signaling that organizational change is underway. However, Cohen's comments clarify that such changes will not reach the front office level. "David is reflective and adaptable," Cohen said. "We'll figure out what changes need to be made, but it won't be David." This language suggests Cohen views Stearns as adaptive to course correction rather than as a primary target for accountability.
Cohen additionally defended Stearns' overall record, noting that evaluations should not be limited to the current struggling season. He referenced the Mets' near-World Series appearance in 2024, just two years prior, characterizing Stearns' tenure as producing a "mixed record" rather than outright failure. "Does he get any credit for '24? Does that not count?" Cohen asked rhetorically, positioning the 2026 underperformance within a longer-term evaluation framework.
The 2026 season has proven disappointing despite significant roster investment. The Mets signed superstar Juan Soto in free agency the prior year, then this offseason acquired Freddy Peralta, Luis Robert Jr., and Marcus Semien while also signing Bo Bichette and Jorge Polanco to address first base. Offsetting these moves were the departures of star first baseman Pete Alonso (Baltimore), Brandon Nimmo (Rangers), and Jeff McNeil (Athletics). Injuries and general underperformance have cast doubt on the strategic value of these trades and signings. Cohen's public backing of Stearns signals confidence that operational adjustments, rather than leadership replacement, represent the path forward for the organization.
The timing of Cohen's declaration is significant. The Mets have already dismissed manager Carlos Mendoza amid a 36-50 record and last-place finish in the NL East, signaling that organizational change is underway. However, Cohen's comments clarify that such changes will not reach the front office level. "David is reflective and adaptable," Cohen said. "We'll figure out what changes need to be made, but it won't be David." This language suggests Cohen views Stearns as adaptive to course correction rather than as a primary target for accountability.
Cohen additionally defended Stearns' overall record, noting that evaluations should not be limited to the current struggling season. He referenced the Mets' near-World Series appearance in 2024, just two years prior, characterizing Stearns' tenure as producing a "mixed record" rather than outright failure. "Does he get any credit for '24? Does that not count?" Cohen asked rhetorically, positioning the 2026 underperformance within a longer-term evaluation framework.
The 2026 season has proven disappointing despite significant roster investment. The Mets signed superstar Juan Soto in free agency the prior year, then this offseason acquired Freddy Peralta, Luis Robert Jr., and Marcus Semien while also signing Bo Bichette and Jorge Polanco to address first base. Offsetting these moves were the departures of star first baseman Pete Alonso (Baltimore), Brandon Nimmo (Rangers), and Jeff McNeil (Athletics). Injuries and general underperformance have cast doubt on the strategic value of these trades and signings. Cohen's public backing of Stearns signals confidence that operational adjustments, rather than leadership replacement, represent the path forward for the organization.
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