Payroll Blues Sweep Five Big-Market Clubs in 2026
TL;DR
The Mets aren’t alone in a payroll-fueled slump: Phillies, Blue Jays, Red Sox, and Astros join them in underperforming, with a combined 43-74 through Tuesday, making them early contenders for the season’s biggest disappointment. The piece argues the blame lies more with front-office architects (Stearns, Dombrowski, Brown, Atkins, Breslow) than managers, though ownership influence and continued pressure on Mendoza, Thomson and Espada—despite notable extensions and resumes—complicate the path forward for these high-profile clubs.
- The Mets aren’t the only team facing a crisis New York Post
- Mets' losing streak reaches 11 games; longest since 2004 ESPN
- Chicago Cubs’ extra-inning 2-1 win marks 5th straight — with help from some unlikely sources Chicago Tribune
- Looking back in awe at the longest losing streak in Mets history Amazin' Avenue
- Delete The Mets Defector
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