Carlos Mendoza explains the Mets’ struggles in 2025

The New York Mets had a rollercoaster 2025 season. Remember, in the early months of the season, they were one of the best, if not the best, team in baseball. Then June came and it was the beginning of the end.

They were ultimately eliminated from playoff contention in the last game of the regular season. The Cincinnati Reds edged them out for the last available spot in the National League. Barely a few minutes after the Mets' last out, Pete Alonso announced that he would be exercising his opt-out clause.

In a very interesting interview, team manager Carlos Mendoza reflected on the most recent campaign. According to him, his players were too focused on business and not enough on celebration, which explains their struggles.

Carlos Mendoza believes the biggest issue with the Mets clubhouse last season was that they were too “corporate” and “didn't celebrate each other enough.” @Joelsherman1 @JonHeyman pic.twitter.com/xeNYDePHlY

— New York Post Sports (@nypostsports) January 27, 2026

The strength of a group

Mendoza did not hesitate to take much of the blame upon himself. As he explained, it was as if the locker room had become a business and the players were colleagues who respected each other, rather than teammates who were united and rejoiced and celebrated the successes of other members of the group. According to Mendoza, the players were acting like professionals, but that wasn't the point.

In other words, the group was not a family. They were not brothers in arms, ready to go to war for each other.

The opposite of 2024

Carlos Mendoza has been in office since November 13, 2023. In his first year at the helm of the Mets, he led his club to the playoffs. According to him, the atmosphere in the locker room was good, which may explain the team's past successes. Unfortunately, that same atmosphere has not been perpetuated.

Admittedly, one factor that may explain this is the arrival of Juan Soto. This is not a criticism, but Soto is more introverted, walking around with his headphones on so as not to be disturbed. This is the opposite of Francisco Lindor, the other leader of the group.

It will be interesting to see the dynamics in the Mets' dugout in 2026. The arrival of another leader in Bo Bichette will undoubtedly change the dynamic. As the leader of the pack, Mendoza will have to work twice as hard to unite his group, and quickly.

Alone we move faster, together we go further

Teams that win championships are those that are united and have the same common goal. It doesn't matter what sport it is. In team sports, you have to play for the logo, not the name on the back.

The New York Mets have big names in their locker room. But does that make them a great team? We'll have the answer by October.

This content was created with the help of AI.