Overview
- Stearns took responsibility at a year-end news conference Monday, saying he "doesn't get mulligans" after the Mets finished 74-88 and spent almost all of the season in last place in the NL East.
- The first-base experiment failed after the club let Pete Alonso sign a five-year, $155 million deal with Baltimore and Jorge Polanco hit .148 with a .431 OPS in 37 games before ankle surgery.
- Stearns said the Mets must add to their starting rotation and will pursue help through multiple channels including internal development, trades and selective free-agent spending.
- The organization has already added former Twins executive Derek Falvey as a senior adviser and Steve Cohen has signaled support for bringing additional front-office voices and pursuing aggressive but targeted roster moves.
- Fans reacted strongly when Alonso returned to Citi Field and the club now faces practical choices this winter with a high payroll, Polanco rehabbing for spring training and decisions pending on first base, rotation targets and the full-time manager search.