The New York Mets failed to reach the playoffs despite a $340 million payroll and adding Juan Soto on a record contract, with internal evaluations citing defensive breakdowns and pitching struggles as primary culprits. Multiple players, coaches and executives told The Athletic the team's talent far exceeded last year's NLCS squad but never coalesced into winning baseball.

Defense emerged as the organization's most glaring deficiency throughout the season. The Mets allowed 28 unearned runs over the final two months, second-most in baseball, while committing 19 errors in their final 29 games.

The Mets' decision to rush Sean Manaea and Kodai Senga back before the All-Star break backfired significantly. Multiple team sources expressed regret about the timing, believing extra rehab could have prevented their collapse down the stretch. 

"It's a complete failure," Manaea said after posting a 5.64 ERA. "If I performed half as good as I did last year, we'd be in a good spot."

Senga struggled to a 5.90 ERA after returning from injury and was eventually demoted to the minors in September. The Mets generated more ground balls than any pitching staff but finished in the bottom third converting them into outs.

Sources described the 2025 clubhouse as different but not dysfunctional compared to last year's chemistry. Francisco Lindor and Soto represent contrasting leadership styles that the organization expects will mesh better over time.

"We were a better team, talent-wise, this year than we were last year," a veteran player said. "On paper, we are a much better team this year than we were last year, and I don't think it's necessarily close. It just didn't work."

Manager Carlos Mendoza remains in good standing with the organization despite the collapse. However, coaching staff turnover is expected this winter, particularly given the defensive and offensive inconsistencies throughout the season.

“There was magic last year; you walked in the building on a day like today and you were expecting to win the game,” a member of the Mets said. “This year? I don’t know.”