Cedric Mullins has struggled since moving from Baltimore to the Mets at the trade deadline, posting a meager .183 with a 64 OPS while facing boos and high expectations in a new city. He acknowledges he hasn’t met his own standards and is navigating a tough transition both personally and professionally.

Two costly miscues against Washington underscored the mental side of the grind as Mullins admitted he’s overthought moments and pressed too hard. He remains adamant there’s more to give and hopes to prove his value as New York pushes for a postseason run.

He points to July numbers with Baltimore (.290, .868 OPS) as a reminder of his ceiling and says the learning experience, plus support from teammates and family, can spark a late-season rebound for the Mets.

The Mets’ postseason hopes dim after a brutal second half, capped by a determinative loss to the Marlins as errors and decision-making unravel the club. Mendoza publicly shoulders the blame, but the on-field miscues—Alonso’s misplay, a thwarted steal, and Soto’s late homer allowed—underscore systemic issues. With two games left, the Reds would need to crater and New York would have to run the table, an uphill climb that keeps the season streets ahead of the finish line.

Two hot-button themes emerge: leadership accountability and on-field execution. Mendoza’s candid admission is noted, yet the players must sharpen fundamentals and bullpen usage if the Mets are to salvage a playoff berth. The path remains narrow, but not mathematically closed, keeping fantasy managers watching every late-inning decision and every offense-triggering moment.

Jose Siri’s time with the Mets ends after only 16 games as New York DFA’d the electric outfielder to clear a postseason roster spot. He struggled to hit (.063) but remained valuable on the bases and in the outfield, leaving a disappointed but not unplayable résumé for future clubs. The move comes as the Mets press for a playoff berth with Reds and Diamondbacks right on their heels.

The decision underscores late-season roster gymnastics around contending teams, where every bench option and baserunning threat is weighed for October. Fantasy players should watch Siri’s next landing closely, especially if a new club values speed and defense as a short-term postseason boost, while also noting the Mets’ ongoing depth concerns and Soto’s ongoing pace on the bases in Mets-related headlines.

New York's playoff fate is on a knife-edge after a 3-2 loss to Washington and Cincinnati's 1-0 win over Chicago, creating an 80-76 tie for the NL final wild-card with Cincinnati holding the tiebreaker. The piece critiques David Stearns’ roster-building under a five-year, $50 million deal with no opt-out, arguing costly misfires and limited pitching depth have left the Mets exposed as the season ends. It cites the Mullins and Helsley trades and notes the Soto signing as a potential bright spot, urging a pitching-heavy overhaul for 2026.