David Stearns, the President of Baseball Operations for the Mets, has left an indelible mark on the team. His strategic moves and shrewd decisions have transformed the Mets' trajectory in recent years. From guiding the small-market Brewers to consecutive postseason appearances to now leading the Mets in a transitional 2024 season, Stearns has proven himself to be a force to be reckoned with.

Stearns' Meticulous Moves Transformed the Mets

Stearns' Resume and Early Achievements

Stearns' resume speaks volumes about his capabilities. He took over the Brewers at just 30 years old and orchestrated their four consecutive postseason appearances from 2018 to 2021. His trade that brought Christian Yelich to Milwaukee was a masterstroke, showcasing his ability to identify and acquire key talent. This early success set the stage for his future endeavors with the Mets.His reputation as one of the youngest general managers in MLB history preceded him when he joined the Mets after the 2023 season. The Mets clearly saw the potential in him and wasted no time in bringing him on board.

Offseason Moves and the Debate

Stearns' offseason moves in 2024 sparked intense debate. His choice of manager, Yankees bench coach Carlos Mendoza, was largely unknown, and many questioned his decision. However, Mendoza ended up finishing third in the 2024 Manager of the Year voting, proving that Stearns' instincts were not wrong.He also handed out short-term, high-average annual value contracts to players like starting pitcher Luis Severino (one year, $13 million), defensive wizard Harrison Bader (one year, $10.5 million), and left-hander Sean Manaea (two years, $28 million). These moves were criticized initially given Severino's injury history, Bader's inconsistent bat, and Manaea's uneven performances in recent seasons. But as the season progressed, each of these players exceeded expectations. Manaea pitched like an ace, Severino performed like a reliable #3 starter, and Bader excelled in center field.

Finding Bargains and Strengthening the Roster

Stearns was a magician at finding bargains. While some of his contracts might seem lucrative on the surface, like those given to Manaea, Severino, and Bader, he also made some under-the-radar moves that strengthened the roster. He acquired a solid fourth outfielder in Tyrone Taylor and signed an unknown reliever in Danny Young. On December 4th, one of the most productive Mets of all of 2024 was signed to a minor league contract. This addition provided depth and potential to the team.Each move was calculated to strengthen the roster without breaking the bank. In a long season, these seemingly small moves would help push the Mets past the finish line.

Preserving the Farm System and Key Acquisitions

As the Mets fought their way back into contention, Stearns was careful to preserve the team's farm system. Unlike some teams on the fence, such as the Cardinals, who traded Tommy Edman for Erick Fedde and began rebuilding, Stearns knew the importance of having a strong farm system.He acquired Phil Maton for just cash considerations and Maton delivered a 2.51 ERA in the regular season, providing tremendous value for virtually nothing. Additionally, he added some underrated depth pieces, like veteran catcher Luis Torrens. These acquisitions helped the Mets in key roles across the bullpen and lineup.

Giving Young Players a Chance

Stearns wasn't afraid to give the younger players a chance to shine. Mark Vientos, a 24-year-old, led New York to the National League Championship Series in October. The Mets began the 2024 season with Brett Baty manning third, but when Baty struggled offensively, Stearns had the guts to call up Vientos and make way for him. This decision paid off as Vientos became a key contributor.Outside of Vientos, the pitching staff received a huge boost from the performances of previously inconsistent David Peterson and long man José Butto. After Peterson's rehab, Stearns put his faith in him and Peterson delivered the best ERA of his career. Butto, a mid-tier prospect, was used perfectly and became one of the best Mets relievers of 2024.

Dealing with Underperforming Players

No leader is perfect, and Stearns is no exception. He signed Joey Wendle, Jorge Lopez, and Jake Diekman, and also traded for Adrian Houser and Huascar Brazobán. These players were not contributing as expected and Stearns had the guts to cut them loose. Wendle was paid $2 million for 37 plate appearances and a.493 OPS. It was clear that these players were not adding value to the team, so Stearns made the tough decision to move on.

2025 Outlook and the Future

Since 2024 was a transition year, the Mets' direction this offseason is uncertain. When in control of the Brewers, Stearns had to finagle his way into the playoffs due to budget constraints. Now, as the president of the richest team in baseball, he has the opportunity to go all in. With glaring holes in the rotation and a lineup that could use a superstar like Juan Soto, this offseason will reveal just how aggressive Stearns plans to be in shaping the Mets' present and future.2024 was an amazing year, and Stearns was the mastermind behind it all. Making the NLCS in a transition year is a great achievement, but the ultimate goal is to bring the Mets a championship. There is still work to be done, and only time will tell what Stearns' next moves will be.