On September 3, 2024, David Stearns, the New York Mets' President of Baseball Operations, held a press conference prior to the Mets' crucial game against the Boston Red Sox. With the team just half a game out of the final Wild Card spot, Stearns addressed a wide range of topics, including September call-ups, the team's performance, and the roles of key players and coaches.
September Call-Ups and Player Development
Stearns began by discussing the philosophy behind September call-ups, particularly in light of the extended minor league season. "There are a couple of variables that have impacted that," Stearns noted. "The first is, as you mentioned, we can continue to get development time in the minor leagues. The second is, we only get two extra spots right now, and so we’ve got to make the best use of those spots for our major league team." This marks a shift from previous years, where it often made sense to give prospects their first taste of the majors in September. However, with limited roster spots and the importance of continued development, the approach has evolved.
Performance of Starting Pitchers
Reflecting on the overall performance of the Mets’ starting pitchers, especially over the past month, Stearns expressed satisfaction with how the players have developed. "I think guys have just gotten better and stronger throughout the season," he said. He credited this improvement to both the players' hard work and the quality of coaching they received. "This is what should happen if we’re working with guys. We begin to build that trust factor, begin to have the constant back and forth over a six, seven, eight-month period, and ultimately, hopefully get to places where players improve and get better."
Hiring a General Manager
When asked about the possibility of hiring a general manager, Stearns was candid, stating, "I don’t really have any thinking at this point. I’m going to tackle that one in the offseason." Despite the added responsibilities of his new role, Stearns noted that he has been fully occupied with his current duties and hasn’t had much time to consider the matter further.
The State of the Mets
With 24 games left in the regular season, Stearns assessed the team’s position in the playoff race. "We’re in the thick of it," he declared. "We’ve earned the right to be here. We’ve played well enough to be here. This isn’t a fluke." He emphasized the importance of playing strong baseball in the final month to secure a spot in the postseason, expressing confidence in the team's ability to perform at a high level.
Coaching and Player Development
Stearns also praised the work of the Mets’ coaching staff, highlighting specific examples of their impact. He mentioned improvements in Brandon Nimmo’s base running under Antoine Richardson’s guidance, and the successful mid-season adjustment to Sean Manaea’s release point, a change that required both "tremendous athleticism on the part of the player" and "a lot of work and monitoring on the part of the coach." The bullpen and hitting coaches were also commended for their roles in maintaining consistency and helping players navigate the challenges of the season.
Francisco Alvarez’s Slump
One of the more pressing issues discussed was Francisco Alvarez’s recent slump. Stearns acknowledged the difficulties Alvarez has faced but remained confident in the young catcher’s ability to bounce back. "I think this is, every player goes through this, and young players certainly go through this," Stearns said. He pointed out the significant responsibilities Alvarez has shouldered, both offensively and defensively, and reiterated his belief in Alvarez's future contributions to the team.
Stearns: "Lindor's Impact Has Been 'Nothing Short of Phenomenal"
Francisco Lindor has been a key figure in the Mets' resurgence, and his MVP-caliber performance has not gone unnoticed. David Stearns was effusive in his praise for the star shortstop, saying, "Francisco has been a game-changer for us all season. His leadership on and off the field, combined with his production at the plate and stellar defense, has put him right in the MVP conversation." Stearns added, "When you have a player like Lindor who can impact the game in so many ways, it's no surprise we're in the position we're in. He's been nothing short of phenomenal."
Looking Ahead
As the Mets enter the final stretch of the season, Stearns’ focus remains on positioning the team for success. "This is where we should be," he asserted. "When we get to September, we should be in the thick of a playoff hunt. Our responsibility now is to put our players and our coaches in the best possible position to succeed."
Stearns’ press conference made it clear that while the Mets have faced their share of challenges this season, there is a strong belief within the organization that they are capable of making a deep playoff run. The next few weeks will be crucial as the team looks to secure their spot in October and continue building on the progress they’ve made under Stearns’ leadership.
Here is the press conference in it's entirety :
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