Inside the Mets' collapse: How Juan Soto and the $340 million club imploded all the way out of a playoff berth

The New York Mets, who held the best record in baseball on June 12, have now missed the playoffs, following a dramatic collapse. The article explores the factors that contributed to their downfall, including their unsuccessful pursuit of Juan Soto, a high-profile acquisition that failed to pay dividends, and the team's inability to sustain their early-season success. The Mets' $340 million payroll, one of the highest in the league, did not translate into on-field success, as the team struggled with injuries, underperformance, and internal discord. The article delves into the team's decision-making process, the impact of key injuries, and the challenges faced by the Mets' management in trying to turn the season around. The article provides a comprehensive analysis of the Mets' downfall, highlighting the complex factors that led to their failure to secure a playoff berth despite their promising start to the season.