What David Stearns’ Plan Was All Along

In the wake of a flurry of major trades and signings last week, the New York Mets, barring a late free-agent addition, appear set for the start of Spring Training. The prevailing narrative throughout the offseason was that Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns had no plan. Yet as the offseason progressed, that notion quickly faded. If there’s one thing this offseason has reinforced, it’s that patience was always central to Stearns’ approach.

The Plan

The Mets were reportedly “shocked” when Edwin Díaz chose the Los Angeles Dodgers. Fans were upset — and understandably so. The right-hander went from being the worst closer to one of, if not the best closers in MLB. From his disastrous 2019 season to the now-iconic “Narco” entrance, Díaz had become a staple in Queens. But elite closers, historically, are easier to replace than everyday players. After Stearns let Pete Alonso shake hands with the Baltimore Orioles, that’s when the fanbase truly boiled over — and Stearns knew the criticism would follow.

“I certainly understand that there have been points in this offseason that have been frustrating for our fan base. … I hear it,” Stearns said at a Citi Field luncheon. “I recognize it. I hear it from my friends and family, at times.” 

So if his plans did not include Alonso, what did?

Well, if we’re going to talk about Alonso, we have to include Brandon Nimmo. The first major move of the offseason was the trade of Nimmo, a fan-favorite just like Alonso was. Stearns traded him to the Texas Rangers for 36-year-old Marcus Semien. But why? Because Semien brings a winning pedigree. He brings veteran leadership. He brings a strong, steady voice in the clubhouse. And Semien knows what it takes to win.

Replacing Alonso

Stearns mentioned more than once that the Mets would be trying to win games differently this season. His chief emphasis publicly since the end of last season has been on improving the club’s run prevention, through better pitching and better defense. At the least, Semien will provide elite defense, coming off a season in which he won his second Gold Glove Award. Offensively, the organization believes improvements in swing technology can help him regain his former MVP-self.

Replacing Alonso outright was never realistic, especially given the options available. Instead, the Mets pivoted creatively, signing Jorge Polanco and tasking him with learning first base.  The team will likely have a rotating combination of Polanco, Mark Vientos and Brett Baty at first.

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Stearns swooped in late and nabbed Bo Bichette for offense, traded for Luis Robert Jr. to patrol center field and acquired Freddy Peralta from the Milwaukee Brewers to improve a rotation that doomed them last season. Tobias Meyers was also apart of the trade, and comes with five years of club control. The bullpen — where Meyers will likely have a chance to impact the team the most —saw a complete overhaul as well.

“I am confident that we’re really going to like where our team is once we get to Opening Day,” Stearns said after Díaz and Alonso signed elsewhere.

So what does Stearns like about the team now?

“I look at the mix of truly elite talent on our major-league team, combined with young players already established at the major-league level that we feel are ready to take that next step, along with a very strong top level of our minor-league system. We have this pretty unique combination. That is an enviable place for any organization to be.”