Shortly after the New York Mets wrapped up a four-game winning streak on Sunday, manager Carlos Mendoza suggested the club was beginning to show signs of its true identity. Just two games later, that optimism had largely evaporated.
The Mets dropped consecutive games to the Seattle Mariners, including an 8-3 defeat on Tuesday, and fell to 26-35 on a season that has continued to trend in the wrong direction. For a team that entered the year with significant expectations, the latest losses only deepened concerns about whether a turnaround is realistically within reach.
Lindor’s Mets Absence Continues to Loom Large
One of the biggest issues remains the absence of star shortstop Francisco Lindor. Lindor has not appeared in a game since suffering a calf injury on April 22, and there is still no publicly known timetable for his return. During a recent appearance on “The Show with Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman” podcast, Mendoza made it clear that the Mets cannot afford to build their hopes around Lindor’s eventual comeback.
“We cannot sit here and wait for, ‘Okay, when is Lindor?'” Mendoza said. “We’ve got to start doing it now.”
The comments reflected the organization’s reality. Lindor is one of several important players sidelined during what has become an injury-plagued season. While his return would certainly provide a boost, Mendoza acknowledged that waiting for one player to rescue the season is not a viable strategy.
Trade Rumors Could Soon Intensify
Unfortunately for New York, there has been little evidence to suggest the current roster is close to solving its problems. The club continues to struggle to generate consistent momentum, and losses have piled up faster than victories. As the calendar moves deeper into the summer, speculation surrounding the Mets’ trade-deadline plans is likely to intensify.
If the standings do not improve, conversations about selling veteran talent to contenders may become increasingly difficult for the front office to ignore. What once looked like a team capable of competing in the National League now faces growing questions about whether management should begin preparing for the future rather than chasing a postseason berth that appears increasingly out of reach.
Mendoza Understands the Pressure
Mendoza also appears fully aware of the pressure surrounding both the team and his own future. Last season, the Mets owned the best record in baseball at 45-24 on June 13, 2025, before collapsing with a 38-55 finish that kept them out of the postseason. Now managing a struggling club while entering the final guaranteed year of his contract, Mendoza understands the scrutiny that comes with disappointing results.
“I understand the situation,” Mendoza said during the podcast. “I know where I’m at. Especially when you’re managing a team with high expectations, big payroll, and not having the results.”
Those remarks sounded less like frustration and more like recognition of the realities of managing in New York. Expectations remain high, but victories have been scarce. With Lindor still sidelined, injuries continuing to mount, and losses accumulating, Mendoza knows neither patience nor excuses will carry much weight.
The Mets conclude their series in Seattle on Wednesday before enjoying an off day on Thursday. They then head to San Diego for a three-game set against the Padres. Whether that trip marks the beginning of a turnaround or further deepens the organization’s troubles remains to be seen. Just as uncertain is Mendoza’s long-term future, as the pressure surrounding both the manager and the club continues to grow with every loss.
