Mets Bullpen Under Fire as Ottavino Criticizes Management

The New York Mets’ 2025 season ended in disappointment, with the team missing the playoffs in a fashion that left fans frustrated and disillusioned. A recurring theme throughout the year was the instability and struggles of the bullpen, which many observers now point to as a major factor in the team’s collapse.

Former Mets reliever Adam Ottavino did not hold back in criticizing the organization’s approach to managing relief pitchers. He described the handling of the bullpen as “pathetic” and questioned Carlos Mendoza’s ability to care for, communicate with, or maintain the health of the team’s relievers.

Under Mendoza, the Mets faced a slew of injuries and a constant rotation of pitchers, forcing the team to deploy a record number of arms throughout the season. The bullpen, expected to stabilize games and provide reliability, instead became a source of chaos and uncertainty.

The front office, led by David Stearns, now faces critical decisions about whether to restructure, add support, or maintain the current coaching approach. For fans, the bullpen issue is more than statistics—it is about trust, long-term development, and preserving the promise of the Mets’ brand.

1. Ottavino’s Critique

Adam Ottavino’s comments struck a chord, shining a spotlight on the Mets’ handling of relief pitchers. He specifically criticized Mendoza for what he called a lack of communication, empathy, and strategy in managing the bullpen. “This is embarrassing, this is actually pathetic, like pathetic,” Ottavino said. He added, “I think he has no idea what he’s doing when it comes to bullpen guys and how to keep them healthy or even how to care about them at all.” The criticism also highlighted concerns over pitcher injuries. Ottavino pointed out that the Mets’ bullpen management failed to provide stability or a clear plan for injured pitchers, leaving many to question whether the staff prioritized long-term health. For a bullpen that endured a record number of deployments, Ottavino’s remarks underline how operational mismanagement can erode player confidence and team performance.

2. Mendoza and the Mets’ Response

Carlos Mendoza remains the head of the bullpen, but the criticism increases the pressure to produce results. Trust in the coaching staff has been tested, as players and fans question whether the organization can prevent further collapses. The Mets’ brass, including Stearns, now faces tough decisions. Should they provide Mendoza with additional resources, adjust the coaching staff, or bring in outside voices to stabilize the relief corps? Each choice carries potential risk and reward. The 2025 season’s bullpen struggles have left lingering concerns about development and performance. Even talented arms cannot flourish without proper guidance, communication, and health management. Mendoza’s next moves will be closely watched, with the front office’s support—or lack thereof—likely influencing both results and public perception. The pressure to deliver is immediate, and the stakes are high.

3. Looking Ahead

For Mets fans, the bullpen situation extends beyond wins and losses—it is a matter of trust, sustainability, and protecting players’ careers. The organization must address both systemic issues and immediate tactical concerns before the 2026 season begins. Ensuring proper workload management, clear communication, and health monitoring will be critical to preventing a repeat of the 2025 disaster. The team’s pitching depth will be tested early, and the offseason will be key to shaping a more reliable bullpen. The Mets also face an intangible challenge: rebuilding morale and confidence in the clubhouse. Players need to believe that the organization has a clear plan to support them, while fans want to see accountability and competence. Ultimately, the first games of 2026 will reveal whether the Mets have successfully restructured their bullpen approach—or whether lingering doubts will continue to shadow the team. The path to redemption begins now.