In his end-of-season press conference, Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns reflected on the 2024 season, expressing both pride and a strong sense of unfinished business. The Mets, who fell short of postseason aspirations, are now entering an offseason filled with key decisions. Stearns provided insights on a wide range of topics, from the team's core identity to the future of marquee players like Pete Alonso.
The Season's Bittersweet End
Stearns opened by acknowledging the emotional weight of the season’s conclusion. "Whenever the season ends, it's not a lot of fun. It stings," he said. "It still stings for me right now, and it will for a little while, and it should. That means we care about it." Despite the disappointing finish, Stearns expressed pride in the team's resilience and development, noting, "It wasn't a straight path. It took some moments of real resilience for us to ultimately get there."
One key theme was the organic identity the team built over the year—a sense of passion and fun, coupled with a competitive spirit. "I think some of what we learned this year, and maybe some of the identity that we were able to organically create as an organization, will serve us well going forward," Stearns said. However, he was quick to temper expectations, emphasizing that past success doesn’t guarantee future wins. "Nothing is predetermined. Our success this year does not mean anything for our success next year."
Pete Alonso's Future in Flushing
A major focal point of the offseason will be the future of star first baseman Pete Alonso, who is set to test the free-agent market. When asked about Alonso’s significance to the franchise, Stearns was clear in his admiration: "Pete's a great Met. I hope we have him back. I think we both understand this is a process... Pete deserves to go out into the free agent market and see what's out there."
Balancing Alonso’s on-field production with the realities of player aging and market dynamics will be a challenge, as Stearns acknowledged. "There's no magic formula to this... There's judgment involved, and there's evaluating the market involved, and we'll see how this process goes throughout the offseason."
Finally, when pressed more about Alonso’s future, Stearns reiterated the slugger’s importance to the organization but acknowledged the complexities of balancing loyalty with future goals. “Pete has been a foundational piece for the organization,” Stearns said, but noted that the front office will carefully evaluate how Alonso fits into the team’s plans moving forward.
Mark Vientos and Potential Position Changes
A key focus for the Mets involves 24-year-old Mark Vientos, who showed promise as a hitter while playing third base in 2024. With Alonso's future uncertain, Vientos is seen as a potential option at first base. Stearns, however, was cautious about speculating on a position change for the young player.
"I think we’ll cross that bridge when or if we come to it," Stearns said. "Mark demonstrated the ability to play third base and did a great job this year." While Vientos’ versatility is appealing, Stearns emphasized that any position shift would depend on the Mets' other moves during the offseason and Alonso’s situation.
For now, Vientos’ development remains a priority, and the Mets will consider the best way to maximize his potential both offensively and defensively.
Addressing the Starting Rotation
Another major concern for the Mets this offseason is the starting rotation, with several key pitchers set to hit free agency. "We’re going to have to add starting pitching. We’re going to have to add multiple starters," Stearns said bluntly. Despite the challenge, he expressed confidence that the Mets would find solutions, as they did last offseason when faced with similar rotation gaps.
Internal options like David Peterson, Tylor Megill, and José Butto will also factor into the Mets’ plans. Stearns praised their performances but noted that their roles will depend on how the offseason unfolds. "Roles evolve over the course of the season," he said. "A particular pitcher may be a starter in one segment of the season and then pitching high-leverage innings out of the bullpen in another."
Standout Pitching Prospects
Stearns also singled out several prospects who have made strides and could compete for big-league roles in 2024. Brandon Sproat has garnered attention, but Stearns highlighted other names as well.
“I thought Blade Tidwell getting to AAA was a big advancement in his development. Nolan McClain had a really nice year, getting to AA," Stearns said. "We saw elements of certain starts, certain periods of performance with Vassil and Hamill that were also really encouraging. We probably just didn’t see the consistency that they or we would have liked, but I still think there’s something there with those guys.”
While acknowledging that prospect development isn’t always straightforward, Stearns remains hopeful. “Development is not linear. We don’t know exactly when a prospect is going to figure it out to get to the big leagues, but we believe in all those guys.”
Free Agency Strategy and Payroll
When asked about the Mets’ approach to free agency this offseason, particularly regarding long-term contracts for high-profile players, Stearns emphasized that it's too early to make definitive plans.
“I think it’s too early to determine exactly where we’re going to take our shots,” Stearns said. “We’ll continue to evaluate that plan as we move through the offseason.”
Reflecting on last year’s signings, such as Luis Severino and Sean Manaea, Stearns praised the organization’s ability to help pitchers rebound from injuries or down seasons. Their success has opened the door for the Mets to consider similar moves this offseason. “The ability to have pitchers come in and experience success here is important, not only because it reinforces some elements of our processes, but it also proves to other players that we have a system here that potentially can help them bounce back, stay healthy,” Stearns explained.
Stearns also addressed the notion of offering long-term deals to pitchers, a strategy he has historically been cautious about. “If we look at the history of long-term investments in pitchers, it is not overwhelmingly a rosy picture, but there are pitchers who have gone into their mid or late 30s and pitched very well. And so if we think we can identify that, then there could be exceptions.”
On the topic of the Competitive Balance Tax (CBT), Stearns was non-committal about whether the Mets would aim to reset the tax this year or remain over it, as their high payroll suggests. “At this point in the offseason, I don’t think it’s fair for me to speculate on anything. I would expect us to be active in free agency. I would expect us to go out and try to improve this team. Where ultimately our payroll lands, I really can’t say.”
Player Health and Clubhouse Chemistry
Stearns provided positive updates on the health of key players Francisco Lindor and Brandon Nimmo heading into the offseason. Both battled through injuries during the stretch run but are in good shape moving forward. “Brandon was moving pretty well the last couple games, and Francisco said he felt mostly normal by the last game, so both those guys are in good shape heading into the offseason.”
Another key element to the Mets' 2024 success is clubhouse chemistry, which Stearns underscored as a vital factor in the team’s overall performance. “Chemistry is really important. Having guys who play hard, who genuinely enjoy coming to the ballpark, is very important. It’s not always the easiest thing to predict, but it’s something that can make a team greater than the sum of its parts.”
Looking ahead, Stearns is optimistic about the future. “We took a positive step for the organization. We believed all along that we had the ability to compete for a playoff spot, have an exciting September, October, and we did. I think behind the scenes, we put some things in place that will serve us well going forward. There’s still work to do, but we’re moving in the right direction.”
Manager Carlo Mendoza’s Influence
A key part of the Mets’ success in 2024 was manager Carlo Mendoza, who Stearns credited for his consistent leadership throughout the year. “Mendy did a tremendous job,” Stearns said. “His ability to be the same person every day, regardless of what was going on, was remarkable. It was the same person when we were in private meetings as it was when he was out in front of the cameras.”
Mendoza's steady hand helped guide the team through ups and downs, and his leadership will be a critical component as the Mets look to build on this season.
Looking Ahead to 2025
With key offseason decisions looming, from navigating Alonso’s free agency to addressing the starting rotation and farm system, Stearns made it clear that the Mets are poised to build on the progress made in 2024. “We’ve got work to do,” he concluded. “But I’m excited about where we’re headed, and I think our fans should be too.”
As the Mets gear up for what could be a transformative offseason, the organization’s focus remains on creating a sustainable contender while addressing immediate needs to ensure they are well-positioned for a competitive 2025 season.
Here is a link to the full press conference:
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