Less than 24 hours after the KC Chiefs sealed an electrifying 25-22 overtime victory in Super Bowl 58, the baseball buzz took center stage as the New York Mets' pitchers and catchers officially reported to spring training. To usher in this pivotal preseason moment, David Stearns, the recently appointed President of Baseball Operations, addressed the media in a comprehensive 22-minute press conference. At KinersKorner.com, our team eagerly absorbed every word as Stearns delved into critical topics, spanning from Pete Alonso's impending free agency, the anticipated everyday third baseman, the designated hitter situation, to the well-being of key players like Edwin Diaz and Starling Marte. Stearns also provided insights into his vision for the Mets in this inaugural spring training under his leadership.
As winter snow fell on a Tuesday morning in New York, the Kiners Korner crew convened to dissect yesterday's presser, each member bringing a unique perspective to the table. No sugar-coating, just unfiltered Mets talk. Join us as we delve into the Mets' spring kickoff – no frills, no fluff, just the unadulterated baseball dialogue you've come to anticipate from the boys on the Korner. Welcome to the Stearns Dugout Debate, Kiners Korner style. Let's dive right in!
The press conference started with a question about the offseason goals and if the offseason work extends into spring training, to which he:
Acknowledged that the offseason now extends into spring training.
Anticipated ongoing transaction activity in the industry, possibly extending into March.
Expressed confidence in the team's current position heading into camp.
Staff Thoughts
Mark Rosenman: "This is stating the obvious. Of course, with starting pitchers Trevor Bauer, Hyun-Jin Ryu, Mike Clevinger, Blake Snell, Jordan Montgomery, Corey Kluber, third baseman Matt Chapman, relief pitchers Liam Hendriks, and David Robertson, as well as DH J.D. Martinez, all still available on the free-agent market, there will be ongoing transaction activity. The question is, are the Mets part of that activity? I think Stearns played this correctly. In the past few years, it seems the Mets were bidding against themselves and setting the market. I think Stearns' time in Milwaukee helped shape him as an astute judge of the market. If there is a bargain available, he will quickly act on it. I still think he adds an arm for the starting rotation. As far as the DH spot, I feel only if he feels that the price and term are right for J.D. Martinez will he even entertain making an offer."
Russ Cohen: "The Mets' DH spot was a black hole last year. A designated hitter is a specialized position. It’s not a spot that you platoon. Expecting Martinez to come under market value isn’t going to happen. I bet he goes back to Arizona. You can’t run the Mets like the Brewers. The fans are different. The passion is different. The ticket prices are much different."
Mark: "I agree that the Mets probably don’t sign Martinez, and I am fine with that. I think you really need to see what Vientos and Baty are. I think you can use them at both 3b and DH and sprinkle in DJ Stewart as well. No matter what, you will get more from that trio than they got out of Vogelbach last season."
Stearns was asked about the unique approach to building the team and defining success, as well as what makes an organization championship caliber:
Acknowledged the importance of building a strong farm system for sustained success.
Emphasized the expectation of being a competitive team, aiming for a playoff spot and exciting baseball in September and October.
Defined success in various ways but highlighted the expectation of having a quality, competitive, and playoff-caliber team.
Expanded the definition beyond winning championships to include the organization's values, community involvement, fan experience, and overall positive association.
Expressed the goal of consistently competing for championships and creating an organization that fans, employees, and players are proud to be a part of.
Mark: "Again, I think Stearns was pretty much on point here. Although I think he could have acknowledged that he inherited a much better farm system than any of his predecessors, thanks to the now-suspended former GM Billy Eppler's moves at last year's deadline. I also believe that the team, in its current form, could be a tick over .500 with an outside shot of 88-90 if things fall right. I think he was off the mark a bit including community involvement and positive association; these seem to be new buzzwords. While community involvement is nice, if last year's Oakland A’s spent every single off day in the community doing charity work, I still wouldn’t classify them as a championship organization. Bottom lines: Division titles, Wildcard berths, League Championships make championship organizations, not community service!"
Russ: "Stearns is miscalculating what a 'playoff contender' is. The Mets bullpen isn’t good enough. They invested in a starter with an injury history in Luis Severino. He acknowledged they can’t hang with the Braves, ok, but he leaves the Phillies out there like the Mets can hang with them? Stearns is telling a New York market they hope to squeak into the playoffs."
When pressed on his vision for a successful year with the Mets in his first season, David Stearns maintained alignment with owner Steve's championship-caliber vision. He emphasized the organization's expectation to be a championship-caliber team, and this serves as the benchmark for success.
Stearns addressed the unique team-building approach, highlighting the importance of building up the farm system for sustained success. When asked whether the goal is solely to win the World Series, he asserted that success can be defined in various ways. While acknowledging the ultimate championship aspiration, he stressed the expectation of being a good team, competing for a playoff spot, and providing exciting baseball at Citi Field in September and October.
Mark: "Bottom line is Stearns is not Billy Eppler, Carlos Mendoza is not Buck Showalter, and this pitching staff does not have Max Scherzer or Justin Verlander. So Stearns cannot come out and say anything less than a trip to the World Series is a disappointment. The Mets fanbase has had such high expectations the last few years; Stearns is lowering the bar. I am not so sure it’s the wrong thing to do. Realistically they are not as deep as the Braves or the Phillies right now, but I don’t think the Diamondbacks were as deep as any of the National League playoff teams last season either, yet they made it to the World Series. I view this year as the 1984 Mets; they have a deep farm system that may start a winning tradition and an attitude. They have a strong nucleus at the major league level."
Russ: "Bottom line is I think Mark is right about the ‘84 Mets. But this miscalculation of letting Alonso walk to free agency without getting any assets is too much like the Darryl Strawberry situation, and that will bother fans, even though the media will eventually be forbidden from asking about the contract to Pete; this will linger over the team all season long."
Speaking of Pete when questioned about Pete Alonso and the possibility of a long-term deal, David Stearns emphasized a focus on the current season. He hinted that discussions about a long-term contract for Alonso would likely take place after the season, avoiding specifics on negotiations.
Stearns acknowledged the challenges of retaining a highly talented player entering the final year of club control, especially when represented by Scott Boras. While not providing updates on negotiations, he acknowledged that such situations often lead to free agency. Stearns expressed confidence in the organization's ability to navigate such scenarios successfully, citing past experiences with other talented players.Stearns mentioned not having seen or talked to Pete yet but emphasized the importance of having a great year together as a team. He conveyed a positive outlook, suggesting that if the team and Alonso both have successful seasons, it would set them up well for the offseason.
Mark: "This is such a tough situation. We saw it play out two seasons ago crosstown with Aaron Judge and the Yankees, and we will never truly know how close Judge was to signing with San Francisco. Pete Alonso is coming off a career-worst season in the batting average department. From a player's standpoint, it probably makes sense not to negotiate off of that season. Stearns also realizes that Alonso’s agent Scott Boras is not going to forego free agency unless the Mets offer a crazy contract, which is not happening. It will be interesting to see if Pete handles this season as well as Judge did with the Yankees. The relationship he builds with Mendoza this season maybe a big factor when it comes to Pete wanting to stay or go elsewhere next season. The Mets need to maintain some sense of stability; Pete is entering his 6th major league season with the Mets and will be playing for his 4th manager during that time, not a big selling point if you ask me."
Russ: "Right now, the Mets are no longer a destination team. Why? Because they stopped spending big bucks. Chances are the next few seasons won’t be filled with gigantic contracts and big player signings. Having a rookie manager is another thing that hurts the Mets' ability to attract star talent."
Mark: "The key words from Russ are 'Right now.' I hope that we can look back at this article one year from now and say, 'What a difference a year makes.' Lots have to go right for the Mets to be competitive, but can Pete Alonso and Jeff McNeil hit closer to their norm batting average-wise? Can Lindor repeat his steady play? Can Harrison Bader stay healthy and fulfill his potential? Can Luis Severino and Sean Manaea be the Taijuan Walker and Chris Bassett from 2022? Will Francisco Alvarez, Baty, and Vientos live up to the early hype of last year? None of the above is beyond the realm. Then add in the high-end talent in the farm system and Uncle Steve’s checkbook; the Mets will be a very attractive destination for free agents."
Regarding Edwin DÃaz's health, David Stearns expressed optimism. He acknowledged that replicating DÃaz's historic 2022 performance would be a high bar for any pitcher. However, based on DÃaz's health, personal qualities, and determination, Stearns expects him to be a very good closer for the team. While tempering expectations from the historic 2022 level, Stearns remains confident in DÃaz's potential contribution.
On Starling Marte, Stearns provided a positive update, emphasizing Marte's health as a key factor. Having observed Marte play in the Dominican Republic, Stearns noted that he looked healthy and demonstrated agility in handling balls in right field. This observation bodes well for Marte's readiness and potential impact for the upcoming season.
Mark: "While there are many question marks going into the 2024 season, without question the health of these two players are the biggest. While I think Edwin Diaz will be healthy and be as close to Edwin Diaz as possible, I am worried that the Mets are way too dependent on a 35-year-old outfielder who is coming off a major injury. Marte looked like a shell of himself last season. If the Mets need to depend on DJ Stewart and Tyrone Taylor for more than 30 games in the outfield, this will be a very, very long season with lots of empty seats at Citi Field."
Russ: "Bader is always hurt, and Marte isn’t going to be the same player that they signed. They should leave Brandon Nimmo in center field, but they won’t. The Mets' outfield is the worst on paper, considering their potential for boom and bust, in the last five years. It’s not good enough. Diaz should be fine, but the Mets didn’t get anybody to help him out. The Mets could have done a lot better with their selection of a setup guy to endure Diaz’s success."
Wrapping it up the Dugout Debate, our take on the Stearns Press confernece from Stearns' strategic moves to the Mets' potential hurdles, we've dissected it all. Whether the Mets take flight or face some bumps in the road this season, our corner of the baseball world will keep on top of it all. So, stay tuned to Kiners Korner for the latest on the Mets' journey – where the talk is candid, the debates are lively, and the love for the game is at its core. Here’s to keeping you in the loop, inning after inning.
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