What Happens in Vegas (Hopefully) Doesn’t Stay in Vegas: David Stearns Talks Mets at the GM Meetings

The annual General Manager Meetings are sort of the appetizer before baseball’s offseason buffet.The Winter Meetings get all the glory, the signings, the trades, the Scott Boras monologues that go longer than a game-winning home run given up by Ryan Helsley, but the GM Meetings? That’s where everyone starts slow-cooking the rumors. And this week, the baseball world descended on Las Vegas, which feels appropriate, because nothing says baseball wants to distance itself from a gambling scandal like holding meetings at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas Hotel and Casino After all, few places understand risk and reward like the city built on bad bets and second chances two things the Mets know a thing or two about.

David Stearns, the Mets’ baseball boss and calmest man east of Flushing Bay, held court with reporters for over twenty minutes. He didn’t spill any neon-colored secrets, but he did offer a few intriguing hints about what’s brewing under those Citi Field lights. He was candid about last season, noting that the Mets “played very good baseball all around for the first half” but then “played really poor baseball for the last two months, and ultimately that cost us a playoff spot.” He made clear that pitching and defense were the core issues — when both faltered simultaneously, “that’s a really tough combination to overcome.”

The Coaching Shuffle: Enter Kai Correa and Jeff Albert

Stearns spoke glowingly about his new staff additions, particularly Kai Correa — the infield whisperer imported from Cleveland. “Coaches impact players in a number of ways,” Stearns said, which might be the understatement of the century given what Mets infielders did to our blood pressure last year. He emphasized that Correa brings a knack for personalizing drills, tailoring instruction, and shaping defensive strategies — basically, everything you wish someone had done before that late-August grounder rolled through an unsuspecting glove.

If Correa can turn the Mets’ infield into something resembling smooth and reliable, they should have a bobblehead night for him. Stearns also made clear that his coaching philosophy is about alignment across the organization, ensuring every coach is teaching the same principles and helping players improve at both the major and minor league levels. The emphasis is on preparation and consistency, not just infield drills but overall player development.

Pete, Edwin, and the Waiting Game

Naturally, the first question in every Mets fan’s mind: what about Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz? Stearns was polite, diplomatic — the baseball executive version of, “Let’s circle back on that.” “We love both Pete and Edwin,” he said. “They’ve been great representatives of the organization. Pete cares a lot about the Mets and New York, and we care a lot about him. Edwin has pitched at a very high level for a long time and has demonstrated he can perform in New York. We’d love to have them back.”

Translation: we want them back, but we also know this is baseball, where love is blind until the numbers get too high. He admitted that patience will be required. “You’d always love clarity early in the process, but a lot of signings occur in January, February, and March.” Alonso’s and Díaz’s offseason decisions are in their hands, and Stearns emphasized that the Mets respect their right to explore options, noting that if Edwin opts out of his contract, the team will allow him to go through the process while remaining in touch.

Defense: The Elephant in the Room (and the Outfield, and the Infield)

Stearns didn’t sugarcoat it: the Mets’ defense down the stretch was, in his words, “not close to good enough.” That’s executive speak for, “OMG.” just not in. the 2024 context. Improvement will come not only from new personnel but from returning players who simply need to play better. “We’re going to need our current group to play better defense,” he said. In his view, strong pitching and strong defense must go hand in hand, and that balance will be a central focus this offseason.

Pitching: Looking for an Ace (or Growing One)

When asked about the search for a number-one starter, Stearns didn’t dodge. “You’d always love to find a top-of-the-rotation guy. But the way to ultimately have a true ace on your staff is to develop one.” He emphasized the balance of giving young pitchers like Nolan McLean, Jonah Tong, and Brandon Sprott opportunities to succeed and fail at the major league level while understanding the pressures of a New York market. McLean, in particular, impressed with a 2.06 ERA late last season, and Stearns thinks all three youngsters will play a significant role next year, though he wouldn’t commit to exactly how the rotation would look on Opening Day.

Flexibility and the Future

Stearns also stressed the importance of “roster flexibility” — which sounds like yoga for baseball executives. “There’s a tipping point. We want to fill the team with players who make us better while allowing our younger players to have a legitimate shot.” He mentioned Brett Baty as a player who took “real steps forward” and could be penciled in for “significant third base time.” That’s front office-speak for “Brett, it’s your job to lose, so maybe don’t lose it.”

Bullpen Roulette

As for the relief corps which last season was like a soap opera in cleats: dramatic, unpredictable, and exhausting. Stearns was straightforward: “We have plenty of vacancies there.” That’s one way to put it. He promised additions, maybe even “more than one,” and said they won’t rule out spending big if the right fit comes along. In terms of bullpen strategy, the Mets are balancing veteran presence with young arms, and Stearns emphasized they are prepared to give internal candidates opportunities while also exploring external options.

Signature Player Spotlight: Juan Soto

Stearns was also candid about the team’s biggest star. “Juan had a great year,” he said. “The fact that he’s an MVP finalist proves that. He helped us win a lot of games. At times he carried our team offensively. And I think he also believes he can be even better, that he can be a more well-rounded player and contribute to wins in more ways over the course of the game.” The Mets stay in regular contact with Soto during the offseason, gathering feedback and communicating team goals, a two-way street that Stearns said is “pretty cool” and key to keeping their signature player motivated.

The Youth Movement and the Road Ahead

Stearns ended on a hopeful note about the farm system something Mets fans haven’t heard confidently since… well, since Dwight Gooden’s rookie card was worth more than a subway fare. “We’ve got some really good young players coming,” he said. Names like Carson Benge, Jett Williams, and other top prospects came up as potential spring training storylines. While he wouldn’t anoint anyone as the center fielder just yet, Stearns sounded genuinely excited about the wave of youth knocking on the door and the balance of letting them earn their roles.

The Bottom Line

So no, David Stearns didn’t trade for anyone in the lobby bar or sign a huge free agent at the craps table. The GM Meetings aren’t about that. They’re about groundwork, relationships, and the faint smell of espresso and optimism. Stearns made clear that the Mets are now operating in a market where financial flexibility allows them to pursue impactful free agents responsibly, while still nurturing the talent pipeline that could provide long-term success.

What Stearns showed, once again, is that the Mets finally have a grown-up in charge a measured, strategic thinker who knows that championships aren’t won in November, but they can start here. And if all goes right, what happens in Vegas won’t stay in Vegas it’ll find its way to Flushing next summer, preferably wrapped in orange and blue confetti.