During Wednesday’s episode of ESPN’s “First Take,” commentator Stephen A. Smith delivered a scathing assessment of the New York Mets’ performance this season. The Mets are batting .238 as a team and posting a 4.16 ERA, yet they have already been eliminated from postseason contention despite a payroll of $344 million.
Smith blames roster construction
Smith placed the blame squarely on David Stearns, the Mets’ president of baseball operations, for the team’s roster construction. He argued that the organization has failed to field a competitive product and that the fans who spend their money on tickets deserve better.
Call to listen to Chris Christie
Smith also highlighted former New Jersey governor and Mets board member Chris Christie, noting that Christie has been a lifelong fan for 53 years and maintains close ties with owner Steve Cohen. “The Mets are trash, probably because they aren’t listening to him,” Smith said. He urged the franchise to consider disassociating from the current direction and to pay attention to Christie’s perspective.
Context on Christie’s involvement
Christie, a Republican former governor, sits on the Mets’ Board of Directors and has publicly expressed his support for the team. In a press release, he described himself as a longtime fan and indicated a personal relationship with owner Steve Cohen.
Stearns’ track record
Before joining the Mets, Stearns earned praise for his role in turning around the Milwaukee Brewers, where he was credited with improving the club’s competitive standing. However, his tenure in New York has not yet produced comparable success. The Mets made the playoffs in 2024 but fell to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the National League Championship Series, and they missed the postseason in each of the last two seasons.
Fan frustration
Smith echoed the frustration of many Mets supporters, stating, “They stink. Period. Shut up. Play better baseball.” He called on owner Steve Cohen to fire Stearns and to listen more closely to the hard‑working fan base that continues to purchase tickets despite recent disappointments.
Looking ahead
The Mets have made high‑profile acquisitions in an effort to attract fans, yet the on‑field product has not resonated. With the season already over for the club, the organization faces pressure to reassess its strategy, consider input from board members like Christie, and rebuild a roster capable of competing in the National League.
As the offseason approaches, the Mets’ leadership will need to address both the statistical shortcomings—such as the low batting average and elevated ERA—and the broader concerns raised by media commentators and the fan community.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
