David Stearns and the Mets have had a tumultuous start to the 2024 season.
The team started the season 0-5, prompting many in the sport and media to question the outlook for the season. The Mets followed that start with a hot stretch, winning 12 of their next 16 games, including taking series from the Dodgers and Braves, and winning six straight games against the Royals, Pirates, and Dodgers.
It’s been hot and cold all season long. And right now, the Mets have been in the Arctic for quite a long time. They are 7-18 in May, 22-32 overall, and in fourth place in the National League East 54 games into the season.
The outlook isn’t good. And many are starting to turn their attention towards the deadline. With that in mind, and many questions rising around the direction of the organization, David Stearns spoke to the media on Tuesday.
First and foremost, Stearns spoke about the play of the team. He was blunt, but transparent with the media.
“We haven’t played like a playoff team,” Stearns said. “And I think that’s the reality of how we’ve played here through the first 50 games. That doesn’t mean we won’t, but we’ve got to show it and I think we have a group of players that is very committed to that goal. That is determined to play better. But until we show it, it’s a reasonable question.”
The Mets surely haven’t looked like a playoff team this season. If the hot stretch in April was removed, the Mets would stand at 10-28 and in contention for last place in the NL East with the Marlins. This resulted in questions surrounding the play on the field and whether or not Stearns believes in a rebound.
“These are players who have really quality, and at times elite, track records in this league and that at periods of times some guys who have struggled. And great players, top players, fight through that. I think our guys will.”
While it doesn’t seem likely after a putrid May, a rebound isn’t out of the question. This same offensive core led the Mets to the playoffs only two years ago, and despite struggling, is only six games behind the Padres for the third wildcard spot.
As Mets fans know, a six-game lead in the standings could be made up in a week, and Stearns believes in his squad. But, fairly so, questions about the Mets’ decisiveness emerged. Would they sell? And when would they pick a direction?
“Generally, the trade deadline becomes an inflection point in the season,” Stearns said, “and we’ve got plenty of time before that… Throughout July, you are preparing for the deadline and having conversations. I think every single year takes on a little bit of a different pace. Every single year takes on a little bit of a different character for a deadline, but throughout July, you’re preparing. You also don’t need to make decisions until the end of the month, so we’ll continue to evaluate where we are.”
As Stearns stated, there is time for the Mets. But the clock is ticking. They’re 22-32, and have lost five of six games on this current homestand to the Giants and Dodgers. The NL East opened up with the injury to 2023 MVP Ronald Acuña Jr., but the Phillies are rolling and look destined to take the crown in 2024.
The team could reach a point this summer where players are shipped off. Trade for assets to help the organization in the future, circa 2023 with Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander. Except this year, there’s another player that could be on the block. A homegrown, fan-favorite player — Pete Alonso.
Trade rumors have swarmed Alonso since last offseason. With the Mets now struggling, it’s not in question. And more importantly, he’s not a Stearns draft pick. There’s no connection. This was brought up in the press conference, where the media asked Stearns whether or not he was conflicted moving players before his time, and whether or not he was looking to make his imprint on the Mets roster.
“It doesn’t matter to me at all whether players existed here before I got here, or whether there were transactions that I made to get players here,” Stearns said Tuesday at Citi Field. “I’m not looking to put my imprint on anything. I’m looking to help create an organization that’s going to win a lot of games for a long time. I think there were players that were here before I got here who are gonna help us do that. And there are players that I brought in, and continue to bring in, that hopefully should help the cause as well.”
Stearns might not want to make his imprint on the Mets, but if we’ve learned anything about Steve Cohen, he’s not afraid to. The billionaire moved two massive contracts to acquire multiple top-100 prospects, and if the Mets are in the position to add again, he very well could.
Still, the Mets have an entire season ahead of them. There are 102 games left in the season, and 53 games left until the trade deadline — one less than the amount played as of May 28. Those 53 will determine either a chaotic or ceremonious August 1.
