David Stearns knows how Mets fans feel about controversial offseason moves

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns has become quite an unpopular figure among members of the team's fan base this offseason for his dismantling of what was the core of the club's roster. 

Specifically, the Mets let star closer Edwin Diaz and beloved first baseman Pete Alonso leave via free agency. The Mets also traded outfielder and homegrown talent Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers for second baseman Marcus Semien. Stearns later sent utility man Jeff McNeil to the Athletics.

While speaking with reporters on Tuesday, Stearns acknowledged that he knows how he's viewed by some Mets fans this winter. 

David Stearns "not blind" to fan outrage

"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 explained, per Alex Smith of SNY. "I’m certainly not blind to that. I hear it, I recognize it. I hear it from my friends and family at times. I’m also very convicted that what we are doing is the right thing for our franchise going forward to accomplish our goals of creating a consistent playoff team, a team that year after year is a true World Series contender, and ultimately a team that does what we are all here to do, which is to win a World Series. And that’s why we are doing all of this." 

The Mets have added relievers Devin Williams and Luke Weaver this offseason. Meanwhile, free-agency pickup Jorge Polanco is on track to play first base for the Amazins. Additionally, the Mets have been heavily linked with outfielder Kyle Tucker.

Stearns understands that his moving on from fan-favorites such as Diaz and Alonso is a bitter pill for paying customers to swallow. The executive also insisted that his offseason moves will help a Mets team that features the likes of Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor "win more games" after the club missed the playoffs last season. 

Mets remain "an enviable place" among MLB teams

"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 added during his comments. "That is an enviable place for any organization to be."

Whether or not Stearns' offseason moves had to do with alleged issues inside the Mets' clubhouse may never fully be known. One thing that's certain is that Mets fans will call for owner Steve Cohen to fire Stearns if the club fails to qualify for the playoffs for a second straight season with Soto on the roster.