At the start of a pivotal offseason for the New York Mets, President of Baseball Operations David Stearns spoke to the media on a myriad of topics surrounding the team as the offseason kicks into full gear.

Asked about the team’s rotation, Stearns expressed that he is willing to fill the needs “in any way possible.”

“Having a complete rotation is really important. That includes having pitchers who can successfully get you through a postseason, get you through a playoff series. We’ve seen over and over again in the playoffs that can be constructed in a variety of different ways.”

Stearns also added that the team is willing to engage in long-term negotiations for pitchers, but that the “situation matters” and that the team has to look at each pitcher on “a case-by-case basis.” And when asked if he is more comfortable utilizing free agency or the trade market to acquire pitching, Stearns played it down the middle.

“I think we have to be open for both. We have to evaluate all opportunities in any offseason. I have been very open that we are looking to add to our starting pitching at all levels, and that means exploring free agency and the trade market.”

Another question related to the pitching discussion tied into the Mets’ farm system. Stearns, when asked about the state of the system and potentially trading prospects, said that he “really likes” where the system is at and added, “trading prospects is always tough… but you have to weigh it against what you’re getting back.”

Tying into the pitching discussion, Stearns said that Kodai Senga “has expressed his preference” to be a starter.

“He’s going to build up this offseason to be a starter. He is going to come to camp with that opportunity, and then we will see where we are on Opening Day.”

On the lineup side of things, Stearns said that he is “very excited” to have Bo Bichette back and added that “we expect Bo to have a really good year next year.” He also revealed that New York will be looking at the market at the first base position and is not “closing the door” on adding at other positions.

Jared Young by Roberto Carlo

“We think Jared Young has the ability to really be part of a solution there. I do think we’re going to look to supplement that, whether it’s someone who takes regular at-bats, someone who splits time with JY, we’ll see. I do expect us to supplement that position,” said Stearns.

“On the position player side, I look at it as, we’re not going to close the door on anything. First base is an area where we’d like to add. We’re not going to shut doors on other positions. It is probably one of those things where we will see how the offseason plays out, see what opportunities present themselves, and go from there.”

Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images

One position that is up for discussion is second base. Asked about Marcus Semein’s status with the team, Stearns provided a lengthy answer on the veteran’s opportunity for playing time in 2027.

“Marcus is going to come in with an opportunity to play a lot of second base. He didn’t have the type of year that he wanted to last year, didn’t have the type of year we believe he’s capable of. We also think we’ve got a lot of other options – both guys who played in the big leagues last year for us and guys who are knocking on the door of the big leagues – that we feel good about that position,” said Stearns.

“This is an extremely motivated player. This is someone who works as hard as anyone, who believes in his own ability, and who I know is going to get everything out of what he has. There are also some adjustments that he and we think he can make. He seems willing to make them. Adjustments aren’t easy. We’ll see where we are come spring training and as we get into the season. We’re not ready to close the door on that.”

Two other players that Stearns discussed were Jorge Polanco and Juan Soto. Asked about Polanco’s role in 2027, the Mets’ POBO said that it “remains to be seen” due to his health. Stearns added that “once we can determine he is fully healthy, then we can talk about exactly what role that fills.” Stearns also shut down any speculation of moving Juan Soto to first base.

“Juan’s really motivated to be the best left fielder he can possibly be,” he said. “He is going to work extremely hard this offseason to do that, and that is where we are committed.”