The New York Mets’ pitching department struggled significantly in the 2025 season, ultimately preventing the team from securing a postseason spot. After the season ended, a notable personnel change was announced on Sunday. MLB insider Jeff Passan reported that Desi Druschel will return to the New York Yankees as an assistant pitching coach, a role he previously held from 2022 to 2024. Druschel spent the 2025 season with the Mets in the same capacity.
Yankees fans quickly reacted on social media, poking fun at their cross‑town rivals. Some joked that Druschel left the Mets because of their poor performance, with one fan quipping that he “saw how bad the Mets were and wanted to come back to big brother.” Others speculated that Juan Soto, who signed a 15‑year, $765 million contract with the Mets before the season, might also consider leaving due to the team’s lack of success.
The Mets’ pitching woes were a major factor in their disappointing season. Although the team started strong—with a starters’ ERA of 2.79 through June 12—the pitching collapsed in the second half, posting a starters’ ERA of 5.09 from that point onward. Injuries to key arms such as Kodai Senga and Tylor Megill further exacerbated the problem, forcing the Mets to rely on rookies like Nolan McLean, Jonah Tong, and Brandon Sproat. The bullpen also struggled; Ryan Helsley posted a 7.11 ERA after being acquired at the deadline.
Despite strong seasons from players such as Juan Soto, Francisco Lindor, and Pete Alonso, the Mets’ poor pitching performance was a significant factor in their failure to make the postseason. The inability to address these issues led to a disappointing year, and Druschel’s departure to the Yankees is likely to be seen as another setback for the team’s future prospects. With the offseason now underway, the Mets must regroup and reassess their pitching strategy if they hope to compete for a postseason spot in the upcoming season.
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