New York will bring back Carlos Mendoza as manager after an 89-73 NLCS finish and a brutal late collapse that cost a playoff berth. Stearns will review Mendoza’s staff, signaling changes beyond the dugout. Pete Alonso will opt out; Lindor and Soto anchor a potent middle of the order, with a strong rotation keeping the Mets in reasonable contention. Cohen apologized for the season, setting the stage for an offseason aimed at restoring the franchise’s high-ceiling trajectory.