Mets' Stearns Acknowledges Offseason Changes Backfired, Vows to Address Rotation

Following a disappointing 74-win season, New York Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns acknowledged on Monday that the team's extensive offseason changes backfired, creating an "uncapped downside scenario." Stearns stated that the significant overhaul of the roster and the implementation of a nearly new coaching staff contributed to the team's struggles.

"We and I made a number of decisions that created the potential for almost an uncapped downside scenario," Stearns said at Citi Field. "We had a lot of change. I think change in New York is probably different than change in other markets."

The Mets experienced a difficult first half of the season, and even a stronger performance after the trade deadline was not enough to salvage their year.

"My job is to put a winning team on the field every single year," Stearns asserted when asked about the pressure he is under. "That hasn’t changed."

During a 32-minute press conference, Stearns indicated that bolstering the starting rotation will be a key focus. However, he remained non-committal when asked about potentially pursuing top-tier free agent pitchers.

"I do think it is necessary for us to add to our starting rotation," Stearns said. "We can do that in a variety of different ways. You would always love to add to the top of your rotation. Any team would love to do that. Over the long term, what we need to do is develop pitchers at the top of a rotation, and I think we are proving we can do that, and we’ll continue to do that."

Stearns mentioned that Nolan McLean is a likely rotation member after a strong rookie season. Homegrown pitchers Christian Scott and Zac Thornton are also considered strong candidates for rotation spots. Sean Manaea is under contract for another year, and Kodai Senga can serve as either a starter or reliever. Tylor Megill is expected to return from Tommy John surgery rehabilitation and could be utilized as a starter or reliever.

At first base, the situation remains uncertain. Jorge Polanco is expected to return after an underwhelming season following ankle surgery, and Jared Young could also be an option. Stearns also noted Brett Baty as a potential candidate for regular at-bats, particularly after his strong performance in August and September.

"Marcus [Semien] didn’t have the type of year offensively that he wanted, that we would expect," Stearns said. "Brett showed us our last four, six weeks of the season what his ceiling looks like, and we need him to get to that ceiling more consistently."

Stearns also highlighted the promising infield prospects in the minor league system, including top prospect Jefferson Rojas and Émilien Pitre, acquired from the Rays. "Sitting here right now, I’m not going to commit to what second base looks like next year," Stearns said. "But I do think we’ve got some really good players both at the major league level and prospects that are coming that can make that a productive position for us."

He reiterated the team's goal: "Our goal is not to build the team through free agency. Our goal is to have a consistent pipeline of young talent that can consistently restock a team — they’re going to be selective, very aggressive pursuits. We have complete ownership support to make those selective, very aggressive pursuits, and I think we will continue to do that."

Stearns also commented on the front office, noting the recent addition of Derek Falvey as a senior advisor. Falvey, former director of baseball operations for the Minnesota Twins, began his new role on Monday.

"Derek is one of the better executives in our sport," Stearns said. "He’s got a tremendous amount of experience. He’s touched every aspect of baseball operations over the course of his career around the business side in Minnesota as well. So, I think he’s going to help us everywhere. He’s a great thought partner. He can provide some different life experiences and different perspectives."