Hour 1: Mets Spending Money on the Wrong Guys

The Bart & Carlin Podcast episode dives into the catastrophic state of the New York Mets' 2026 season, declaring them the worst team in baseball with a 10-20 record and a roster riddled with 'bad money' — high-value contracts that haven't delivered performance. Hosts Bart Scott and Chris Carlin dissect the team's failed offseason moves, spotlighting players like Marcus Simeon, Luis Robert, Kodai Senga, and Sean Mania as costly misfires. They argue that the root of the problem lies not just in individual underperformance but in a flawed team-building philosophy led by general manager David Stearns, who prioritized defense and analytics over offensive production and clubhouse chemistry. The hosts question whether the team is salvageable this season, concluding that firing manager Carlos Mendoza won’t fix systemic issues rooted in poor personnel decisions and a lack of leadership. They emphasize the absence of veteran presence and emotional leadership, contrasting it with past successful teams that relied on culture and accountability. The episode concludes with listener calls reinforcing the blame on Stearns and calling for a leadership overhaul, possibly including a return of former player Carlos Beltran or manager Alex Cora.