After one of the most historic collapses in baseball history by the New York Mets in 2025, it was apparent that a dramatic change was needed. This involved cutting ties with the four longest-tenured Mets, including fan favorite and slugger Pete Alonso and longtime outfielder Brandon Nimmo — a move followed by Edwin Díaz’s departure in free agency and Jeff McNeil’s exit.
Mets Commit to Culture Change in 2026
The Mets made a flurry of unexpected and fun moves — ones expected to change the team culture and bring the clubhouse even closer together.
“I feel like there’s a different energy here this year than last year,” owner Steve Cohen said. “I don’t know what it is, it just feels really optimistic.”
Cohen purchased the Mets from the Wilpon family, vowing to the fan base that winning baseball would return to Citi Field within three to five years. That benchmark has arrived — producing two playoff appearances, including a six-game NLCS series in which the Mets stood little chance against a dominant Los Angeles Dodgers team.
“We haven’t won. I really want to win. Each year that goes by, I get annoyed,” Cohen said. “I’m frustrated. I’m really committed to this team. I know how much the fans care. We’re celebrating the 40th anniversary of the 1986 win, and that’s just really long.”
The Mets have the talent to win, led by one of the best pure hitters in baseball, Juan Soto, along with the leadership and skill of Francisco Lindor. The two stars were consistently in headlines during the slower part of the offseason, with rumors swirling that they didn’t like each other and lacked friendship.
Soto and Lindor’s Drama Unfolds
“I think it’s a great relationship,” Soto said. “We talk all the time in the game and everything. We help each other.”
The Mets clubhouse featured an odd dynamic — what would you expect when a team blows a comfortable playoff position? Now, the Mets welcome former Texas Rangers captain Marcus Semien, the tools of Jorge Polanco, the clutch production of Bo Bichette, and the presence of Freddy Peralta.
“We want what’s best for each other,” Lindor said. “Are we all best friends? That’s not how it works. We’re all friends. We love each other.”
Last season, rumors began circulating that the Mets were discussing making Lindor the team captain. These talks reportedly “angered” longtime Met Brandon Nimmo, which led to an eventual trade, the New York Post reported earlier this offseason.
Because of this, Mets owner Steve Cohen declared that as long as he is the owner, there will never be a team captain. Cohen said it is unusual for a team to have a captain, with the last Mets captain being David Wright, the sole symbol of leadership in the organization. Besides Wright, the Mets have had just three other captains: Keith Hernandez, John Franco, and Gary Carter.
“As long as I’m owning the team, there will never be a team captain. That was my decision. My view is, the locker room is unique and let the locker room sort it out year-in, year-out.”
– Steve Cohen pic.twitter.com/ELWZXGQ88f
— SNY (@SNYtv) February 16, 2026
With the 2026 season rapidly approaching, many still wonder whether this Mets team has the right pieces to compete. Losing Alonso’s offensive production along with Díaz’s closing ability leaves significant holes. Still, Mets brass believes the foundation remains strong enough to contend. Many questions remain unanswered, but with spring training starting February 21, some answers could begin to surface.
Main Photo Credit: © Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images