Reports indicate that the New York Mets are set to appoint David Stearns as their president of baseball operations. Stearns, known for his successful tenure in Milwaukee, is expected to begin his five-year contract in early October. The New York native and lifelong Mets fan had previously been denied permission by the Brewers to discuss the Mets’ baseball operations position in 2021.
Stearns’ contract with Milwaukee was due to expire after this season, allowing him to explore opportunities with other teams after the August 1 trade deadline. The move to lead the Mets, backed by owner Steve Cohen’s substantial resources, marks a significant development in the baseball front office.
The Mets, who started the 2023 season with championship hopes but experienced a first-half collapse, underwent significant roster changes, including trading star pitchers Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander, under general manager Billy Eppler.
Eppler will retain his position as GM and work alongside Stearns. Together, they will reshape the Mets’ front office after Eppler recently dismissed four department directors.
Like Andrew Friedman, who left the Tampa Bay Rays for the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2014, Stearns achieved success in a small-market, limited-budget environment. During his seven-year tenure in Milwaukee, he averaged 87 wins per season and led the Brewers to four consecutive playoff appearances.
Stearns’ career began with an internship with the Mets, followed by roles in MLB’s labor relations department and with the Cleveland Indians. He later became an assistant general manager for the Houston Astros before taking over as GM in Milwaukee.
Stearns’ notable moves include trading for Christian Yelich in 2018, who won the NL MVP that year. Despite an unheralded farm system, Stearns consistently developed talented players for the Brewers.
With the Mets, Stearns will inherit one of baseball’s top farm systems, bolstered by recent acquisitions and emerging prospects. While the team plans to reduce its record payroll, they aim to increase spending as their promising prospects advance.
The Mets already have core players under long-term contracts, including Francisco Lindor, Brandon Nimmo, Kodai Senga, Edwin Diaz, and Francisco Alvarez. Stearns will also assess trade options for first baseman Pete Alonso, who becomes a free agent after the 2024 season.
The Mets, who last won the World Series in 1986, aspire to end their championship drought and return to the pinnacle of baseball.
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