MIAMI, FL — They actually did it. The Mets did the unthinkable and found a way to collapse and miss the postseason.

Last week, the Mets were in severe danger of missing the postseason due to their lackluster performance over the past few months, but I think most people — unless you are a Reds fan — were thinking that this team would get their act together, back in, and pray they could go on a run.

The Mets gave their fanbase a tease this week, taking two of three games against the Chicago Cubs before heading to their habitual graveyard, Miami, to end the regular season with three games against the Marlins.

The Mets had a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the fifth inning on Friday before the Marlins came storming back and scored six runs in the frame — enough to hold off the Mets, winning 6-2. With the Reds defeating the Brewers, it put the Mets’ backs against the wall.

The Mets were able to win on Saturday, shutting the Marlins out 5-0, but so did the Reds, outlasting the Brewers 7-4 to win their first series against the Brewers since 2022 and setting up Game 162.

It’s hard not to be romantic about baseball, because historically Game 162 has been one of the best days on the calendar of the regular season because of the drama the day provides. Today was no different, with the fates of the AL East, AL Central, and NL Wild Card set to be decided between 3:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. EST.

The Mets were desperate in this game, and Carlos Mendoza knew it was do-or-die, but the Mets died. The Mets were blanked in a 4-0 defeat on Sunday, going 0-for-8 with runners in scoring position and leaving 10 on base. The Marlins scored all four runs in the bottom of the fourth inning after the bullet of Carlos Mendoza’s bullpen roulette went off and Ryne Stanek gave up three earned runs, one charged to Brooks Raley after a one-out single.

And just like that, with star shortstop Francisco Lindor grounding into a season-ending double play, the Mets were going home. To think the Mets were 45–24 at one point this season with the best record in baseball, and are now going home on September 28 is unbelievable and truly one of the biggest collapses in Major League Baseball history.

The Mets also ended the season with an 0-67 record when trailing after eight innings, being the only team in baseball — yes, even the Rockies — to not have a comeback when trailing after eight innings.

“I take responsibility. I’m the manager,” Carlos Mendoza said. “It starts with me. I’ve got to take a long look here, how I need to get better.”

Carlos Mendoza’s job is safe, per Andy Martino of SNY–a vote of confidence from the front office–but Martino notes that there will be multiple coaching changes.

“It’s beyond frustration, it’s just straight-up disappointing,” Pete Alonso said. “There’s no way to sugarcoat it. Super talented team, and the reality is we fell short. We didn’t even get to October.”

Alonso also noted that he will be opting out of his contract with the Mets and embarking on free agency once again.

“Playing for this organization, this city–they’ve continued to believe in me. I love playing here. There’s some great guys in this clubhouse, some great people on the staff,” Alonso said. “Every single day, it’s been a pleasure coming to work and putting on the orange and blue. I’ve really appreciated it and have been nothing but full of gratitude every single day. Nothing is guaranteed, but we’ll see what happens–I’ve loved being a Met. Hopefully, they’ve appreciated me the same.”

Alonso has always embraced playing in New York, but the question now is if the Mets are going to move on this time like they were set to do in the offseason, or if they will bring their franchise player back. Alonso wants to be a career Met; now it’s up to the organization.

“I failed at the job, failed the mission,” Francisco Lindor said. “It was something that, it was on us, on me and on the players to get it done and we didn’t execute. We didn’t get it done.”

Lindor has been one of the core members of the Mets since owner Steve Cohen took over in 2020, but he has failed on Cohen’s promise to the fans that the team would win a championship in his first five years as owner. In fact, the Mets have missed the postseason entirely in three of those five seasons.

“Baseball, man. Baseball. Even if you have a great team on paper, nobody’s gonna bring it to you. You have to go out and get it,” Juan Soto said after the game.

Last year, Soto was on the highest of highs, sending the Yankees to the World Series, and less than a year later, Soto will not get to participate in the dance. Baseball is a cruel sport.

This will be an interesting offseason for the Mets, who will have a lot to evaluate given how 2025 played out. The only thing left to say is Frank was right.