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    New York Mets owner Steve Cohen walks on the field before the game between the New York Mets and the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park.
    Sep 26, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; New York Mets owner Steve Cohen walks on the field before the game between the New York Mets and the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
    New York Mets owner Steve Cohen walks on the field before the game between the New York Mets and the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park.
    Sep 26, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; New York Mets owner Steve Cohen walks on the field before the game between the New York Mets and the Miami Marlins at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

    MLB Analyst Ranks $3B NL East Franchise Ahead Of Mets, Calls NY “Least Improved” Despite Superstar Additions

    The New York Mets failed to qualify for the postseason in 2025 despite being one of the highest-ranked teams in terms of payroll. Expectations were that Steve Cohen & Co. would make a major splash this offseason. However, it has been quite the opposite.

    They lost free agents Pete Alonso to the Baltimore Orioles and closer Edwin Diaz to the Los Angeles Dodgers. While they were in on Kyle Tucker and Cody Bellinger, they lost them both to the Dodgers and the New York Yankees, respectively.

    While the Mets have made some exciting additions, MLB analyst Steve Phillips isn’t convinced and predicts the franchise to finish third in the NL East behind the Philadelphia Phillies and the $3 billion valued Atlanta Braves (via Forbes). He also calls them the “least improved” team over the offseason.

    “I put them on my least improved list,” Phillips said. “So I actually have them in third place in the East.”

    Phillips believes with everything going on with the Phillies, the Braves have an edge in the NL East.

    “The Mets are one of the most confusing teams for me, yet David Stearns is often the smartest guy in every room that he’s in,” Phillips added. “I don’t want to doubt him, but I don’t look at them the same way everybody else does right now. Yeah, I’ve got Braves one. Braves one, yeah.”

    Mets’ Failed Offseason Recap

    Losing Pete Alonso was big for the franchise. Then it was followed by trading franchise stronghold Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers for second baseman Marcus Semien. They even traded away Jeff McNeil.

    After their chase for Kyle Tucker failed, the Mets adjusted by trading for Luis Robert Jr. from the Chicago White Sox. They essentially replaced Edwin Diaz by signing Devin Williams in free agency. This is the same Williams, who lost his way with the New York Yankees last season, blundering in several high-leverage situations.

    On the bright side, the Mets signed Bo Bichette to a three-year, $126 million deal. He is expected to play third base in Citi Field. They added Jorge Polanco on a two-year, $40 million contract to play in the infield for them.

    In hindsight, the Mets are still a solid team, but only if these new additions can replace the production left by notable departures.

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