How 2011 actually went.
Terry Collins took over as manager while the new front office worked through financial limits and an aging roster. The Mets played with energy but never stayed close enough to contend. Carlos Beltrán returned to health and hit well before being traded to San Francisco, bringing back pitching prospect Zack Wheeler.
José Reyes produced the best offensive season of his career. He led the league in hitting, won the first batting title in Mets history, and brought life to Citi Field with triples and speed. The final-day bunt and early exit created debate, but the achievement remained real after years of watching his talent grow.
The 77–85 finish marked another fourth-place season, and Reyes left for Miami in free agency. Losing both Beltrán and Reyes closed the last clear connection to the 2006 contender. The returns and salary relief helped the rebuild, but fans were asked to be patient while two of the most talented players in club history continued elsewhere.
Reyes finally won a batting title, then walked away before fans had finished celebrating it.