New York Mets fans must be losing their minds right now – and with good reason. In such a short time, the team has seen at least two of its biggest stars depart, running the serious risk of no longer being a club capable of competing for a World Series in 2026. In the Big Apple, the organization had two clear priorities, and it appears David Stearns, as the main decision-maker, failed to secure two absolutely key signatures for the project.
Yes, in a span of just 24 hours – one single day – the Mets lost one of their most important pitchers and one of their most productive bats.
Are the Mets being dismantled?
That’s the big question on the minds of experts and fans alike. On Tuesday, December 9, Edwin Díaz headed to the Los Angeles Dodgers on a three-year, $69 million contract. Then, just one day later, the baseball world learned that Pete Alonso was also leaving the organization, signing a six-year, $150 million deal with the Baltimore Orioles.
This situation clearly leaves Juan Soto as the biggest victim, now that he no longer has a power bat protecting him in the lineup.
“You’ve now paid – unless you get a bat – Juan Soto to walk 150 times a year,” MLB Network analyst Ron Darling said on air.
It’s no secret that Juan Soto joined the New York Mets expecting the core of the team to remain intact, with no major subtractions – but the latest moves tell a very different story. Without dangerous bats around him, opposing teams will pitch to him far more carefully, putting Soto in a difficult position heading into the 2026 MLB season unless a legitimate power threat arrives.
From a roster standpoint, the Mets now face significant holes: the back end of the bullpen after losing Edwin Díaz and a massive void at first base – neither of which is a minor concern. Tough times appear to be ahead for the franchise.
That said, there are still quality options available in MLB free agency who could help stabilize the roster, including bullpen arms like Robert Suárez or Pete Fairbanks, and impact hitters such as Kyle Tucker or Cody Bellinger.
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