A difficult campaign for the New York Mets persisted Friday after the dismissal of manager Carlos Mendoza.

With a competitive balance tax payroll exceeding $375 million - the second-highest in the sport behind the Los Angeles Dodgers - the Mets sit at 34-47 and last in the National League East. They also endure a six-game skid after committing multiple errors during a four-game home sweep by the Chicago Cubs.

The 2026 Mets endured tougher periods earlier, raising questions about the timing of the manager change. Does this place GM David Stearns under scrutiny as well? How might the club recover? ESPN MLB analysts Jorge Castillo and David Schoenfield address key issues confronting the Flushing franchise.

The Mets underperformed throughout the year. While division rival Philadelphia Phillies dismissed their skipper in April, the Mets retained Mendoza until now. Why the shift today?

Castillo: The past week proved particularly damaging. The club required a surge of victories, such as eight in a row or 10 of 12. Instead they dropped six straight to reach a season-low 13 games below .500. The most troubling aspect remains their lack of energy. The Mets surrendered 54 runs across those defeats, including 15 to the Phillies last Saturday. Their infield committed six errors in the second game of Wednesday's twin bill versus the Cubs, who completed the sweep. The team appeared outclassed in a manner inconsistent with its payroll. Injuries played a role, and Mendoza did not commit the errors or repeatedly miss spots on the mound. Yet the squad reached a fresh depth of poor play, making the manager the target.

Schoenfield: The six-error contest clearly prompted owner Steve Cohen and GM David Stearns to act. Such miscues should not occur even in amateur softball, let alone professional baseball. Physical errors may be overlooked occasionally, particularly with younger talent, but these involved experienced players. The performance suggested inadequate preparation for a major league contest, placing responsibility on the manager whether justified or not.

Andy Green assumes managerial duties for the remainder of the season. What is his background? Who leads the list for the full-time role?

Castillo: Green previously played in the majors and managed the San Diego Padres for nearly four seasons before his September 2019 release. He later served as bench coach for the Cubs under David Ross, then joined the Mets as vice president of player development ahead of the 2024 campaign. At 48, Green interviewed for the Mets managerial opening that winter before the club selected Mendoza, giving him familiarity with the organization.

Green could impress enough to retain the position after his interim period. Notably the Mets bypassed bench coach Kai Correa for the role, though Correa is viewed league-wide as a future manager. Carlos Beltran represents another internal option. The future Hall of Famer, set for induction next month, was hired to manage after the 2019 season but dismissed before spring training due to his involvement in the Houston Astros sign-stealing matter. He rejoined the organization in 2023 as a special assistant.

Additional candidates include Ross, former Boston Red Sox manager Alex Cora, ex-Minnesota Twins skipper Rocco Baldelli, Detroit Tigers bench coach George Lombard and future Hall of Famer Albert Pujols.

The Mets hold the second-highest payroll in baseball behind only the Dodgers. What explains the shortfall?

Castillo: A combination of roster instability, subpar results and injuries created the perfect storm. The Mets overhauled not only the roster but also Mendoza's coaching staff during the offseason. Early struggles and ailments prevented any rhythm from developing.

Injuries to Jorge Polanco and Luis Robert Jr. were anticipated, and Stearns acknowledged the front office will review its injury evaluation methods. Yet extended absences for Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor were unexpected. The pair had been highly durable, missing just 31 games combined over the prior four seasons. Clay Holmes also suffered a broken fibula in May after ranking among the NL's top pitchers, adding to the misfortune.

Even so, the roster should not perform this poorly. Soto (167 OPS+) along with rookies Carson Benge (106 OPS+) and A.J. Ewing (100 OPS+) stand as the only regulars posting at least average offensive numbers. The starting rotation owns the third-worst ERA in the majors. A $375 million group should deliver stronger outcomes.

Schoenfield: Nearly every area faltered. Soto led the way, ranking second in OPS behind only Yordan Alvarez, though he missed 15 games himself. The Mets rank 24th in runs scored, 28th in rotation ERA and third in errors committed. The bullpen performed well, placing third in win probability added, while the defense sits ninth in defensive runs saved despite weaker marks elsewhere and visually. Offensive woes trace partly to Soto and Lindor injuries, so attention turns to the rotation where Freddy Peralta (4.53 ERA) and Nolan McLean (4.03 ERA) posted middling results. David Peterson (6.09 ERA) and Kodai Senga (10.08 ERA in seven starts) struggled before Peterson's trade. Sean Manaea earns $22 million yet works from the bullpen. The Mets parted with respected pitching coach Jeremy Hefner after the 2025 season; the Braves hired him and rank fourth in ERA despite their own rotation injuries.

Does this place Mets GM David Stearns under similar pressure?

Castillo: Yes, though his contract through 2028 provides security for now. Stearns represented Cohen's long-sought target for his success guiding the low-payroll Milwaukee Brewers. Cohen awarded a five-year deal to stabilize a front office marked by turnover since his November 2020 purchase.

Stearns has struggled in New York. The 2024 squad that reached the NL Championship Series was largely inherited and relied on short-term contracts. It served as a bridge year before Stearns implemented changes that have so far yielded poor results. The expectation was that Stearns would excel with Cohen's resources, but that has not materialized.

Schoenfield: Pressure exists, yet the contract through 2028 offers protection. Stearns built a strong reputation from his Milwaukee tenure. He aimed to contend while improving a weak farm system. Success on the latter includes McLean, Ewing and Benge reaching the majors, but the 2025-26 offseason ranks among the worst for any general manager. High-risk acquisitions such as injury-prone Polanco and Robert Jr., a declining Marcus Semien, Devin Williams as closer, Freddy Peralta via trade, a three-year $126 million deal for Bo Bichette and the departure of Pete Alonso all backfired.

What implications arise for the Mets at the trade deadline?

Castillo: Stearns indicated this week he will monitor whether the club can close the gap to postseason contention over the next month before finalizing deadline plans. He identified the August 3 deadline as the key point.

Continued losses could accelerate decisions. Starters Peralta and Holmes plus relievers Brooks Raley, A.J. Minter, Huascar Brazoban and Luke Weaver could attract interest. Bichette, eligible to opt out after the season, represents another candidate. The Mets currently hold a 5.2 percent playoff probability per FanGraphs.

Schoenfield: Even if the Mets eventually sell, options beyond Peralta appear limited, and he has not performed well enough for a strong return. Soto and Lindor remain core pieces. Bichette and his contract hold little appeal given his output. Williams carries $17 million annually for the next two seasons, reducing trade interest. Some relievers could be moved, though returns typically involve low-value prospects.

How would you evaluate Steve Cohen's ownership to date, and what steps are needed to improve?

Castillo: Cohen invested heavily to build competitive teams and pursued stability after early aggressive moves fell short. Hiring Stearns appeared a strong choice. Mendoza earned praise in his first year in 2024. Soto received the largest contract in MLB history and performed among the best hitters. Yet several poor signings and trades approved by Cohen cannot be overlooked. Fans expressed frustration over the decisions not to retain Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz while trading Brandon Nimmo. Those choices rest with Stearns but ultimately with Cohen, who stated at his introductory press conference that failing to win a World Series within three to five years would disappoint. It is now year six and results trend downward. Grade: C-minus.

Schoenfield: The Mets own a 459-432 record under Cohen since 2021, ranking 13th in winning percentage. This includes a 101-win season in 2022 and an NLCS appearance in 2024, yet no consecutive playoff berths. Cohen spent heavily without a consistent approach, relying on short-term fixes. Recent years feature more unproductive spending than any other club. Bichette, Semien, Manaea, Williams, Robert and Polanco combine for $147 million and minus-1.5 WAR. The outlay failed to deliver results, encompassing last year's collapse and this season's issues. Grade: D.