New York Mets‘ president of baseball operations, David Stearns, spoke with reporters on Tuesday about what the team has done this offseason, what they might continue to do, and he also shed light on some of the frustrations Mets fans have voiced about a “slow” offseason and losing fan favorites in Edwin Diaz and Pete Alonso to free agency.
It’s important to note that the Mets are still being linked to all the top free agents, but adding an outfielder and another starting pitcher should remain at the top of the front office’s wish list. There are just five weeks and some change until the Mets open up spring camp, but the roster as currently constructed certainly needs a few more additions before fans feel comfortable with this team. So, what exactly did Stearns say about the offseason so far?
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David Stearn Speaks With Reporters About Mets Offseason
On Tuesday, David Stearns spoke with reporters about the Mets’ offseason to this point and indicated he’s ‘not blind’ to some frustrations about the slow pace:
“I certainly understand that there have been points this offseason that have been frustrating for our fan base. We’re not blind to that at all,” Stearns said. “I’m certainly not blind to that. I hear it, I recognize it. I hear it from my friends and family at times.”
Getty(Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
Stearns notes that he’s convinced that what the Mets are doing this offseason is the right thing for the fan base and the organization as a whole. It’s an interesting statement to digest, because on one hand, of course, the president of baseball operations is doing what is in the best interest of the team, but on the other hand, is Stearns really doing everything in his power to make this team better?
You could certainly argue he is. Just because fan favorites have walked out the door doesn’t mean the Mets are having a bad offseason. They’ve brought in two star relievers in Devin Williams and Luke Weaver, added via the trade market by acquiring Marcus Semien, and also signed Jorge Polanco. However, the need for an outfielder is real, and the Mets’ rotation might also lack a true ace.
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Other Stearns Comments
Here are a few other quotes from David Stearns’ time with the meeting that were interesting:
“We have this pretty unique combination right now of MVP-caliber talent up top, players who have already established themselves at the major league level who are at that point of their career where there is the potential – not the certainty, but the potential – for a jump, and really exciting premium young prospects who are about to hit the major league level,” Stearns said.
He also praises Steve Cohen and the ownership group for all they have done for him and this organization. Being the highest-ranking executive for a franchise like the Mets is not easy, especially when the fanbase is so eager and hungry for a World Series.
This is one of those situations, though, where the Mets product on the field during the season will be the ultimate test of how well they did this winter.
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Mets’ David Stearns ‘Not Blind’ To Slow Offseason and Frustration Among Fans