Mets' Early Struggles Prompt Blunt Message from Ken Rosenthal

MLB insider says New York's new-look team may need more time to gel, but pressure is high to succeed this season.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 12:22am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A cubist, geometric painting depicting a fragmented baseball game or match, with sharp planes of navy, green, and orange overlapping to create a dynamic, deconstructed visual representation of the sport.The Mets' early-season offensive struggles have exposed the high pressure and expectations facing the team's new-look roster.Today in Pittsburgh

MLB insider Ken Rosenthal offered a blunt assessment of the New York Mets' slow start to the 2026 season, saying the team's struggles are not surprising given the number of new players and coaches. Rosenthal acknowledged the Mets are under immense pressure to perform after missing the playoffs last year, but believes it may take time for the team to fully come together. Meanwhile, new third baseman Bo Bichette has already faced boos from frustrated Mets fans over his early-season slump.

Why it matters

The Mets entered the 2026 season with high expectations after making several big offseason moves, including trading for Bichette. However, their slow offensive start has already led to scrutiny and pressure on the team, manager, and front office. Rosenthal's comments provide insight into how the organization and fanbase are reacting to the early struggles.

The details

Through their first seven games, the Mets have scored more than four runs only once, going 3-4 overall. Despite their talented lineup featuring players like Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor, and Bichette, the offense has sputtered out of the gate. Rosenthal believes the team's new-look roster and coaching staff may need more time to fully come together and play to their potential.

  • The Mets' struggles began in their second game of the season, a 4-3 loss to the Pittsburgh Pirates on March 29.
  • Rosenthal made his comments on the April 3 edition of the 'Foul Territory' program.

The players

Ken Rosenthal

A veteran MLB insider and reporter who provided analysis on the Mets' early-season struggles.

Bo Bichette

The Mets' new third baseman, who was acquired in free agency from the Toronto Blue Jays and has already faced boos from frustrated fans over his slow start at the plate.

David Stearns

The Mets' president of baseball operations, who was the architect of the team's offseason moves and is under pressure to deliver a successful season.

Carlos Mendoza

The Mets' new manager, who could face scrutiny if the team's struggles continue.

Juan Soto

One of the Mets' star players, who has been part of the team's slow offensive start.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“It's a week, and I saw somebody point out that they started 3-3 in some of their better years, and there's no way to judge them right now. In fact, I wrote this, and I believed it. I feel it might take this team a little bit more time to gel than maybe other teams.”

— Ken Rosenthal, MLB Insider

“They're under huge pressure, and there are a lot of different pressure points there. One, on the new players to perform with Bichette, Polanco, and all the guys they brought in. Two, on the manager, Carlos Mendoza. They changed a lot of coaches last offseason, and usually that is the precursor to a managerial change if things don't go well.”

— Ken Rosenthal, MLB Insider

“If anything, I thought it took too long. I get it. I thought my at-bats were terrible too.”

— Bo Bichette

“I think, sometimes in between, sometimes trying to do too much. That's pretty much what happens when you don't feel good.”

— Bo Bichette

What’s next

The Mets will look to turn things around in their upcoming series against the San Francisco Giants, with pressure mounting on the team to start producing at the plate. Manager Carlos Mendoza's job security could come into question if the struggles continue.

The takeaway

The Mets' early-season offensive woes have already led to scrutiny and pressure on the team, with MLB insider Ken Rosenthal acknowledging the high expectations and new-look roster may need more time to fully come together. However, the franchise's history of impatience with underperforming teams means the Mets will need to find their groove quickly to avoid a potentially tumultuous season.