David Stearns Evaluated Disappointing Mets Season
The Mets president addressed roster shortcomings after the team finished last in the NL East with a 74-88 record.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Baseball
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After finishing the 2026 season with a 74-88 record and landing in last place in the NL East, New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns is looking toward the offseason. The organization plans to aggressively address gaps in the right side of the infield and the pitching rotation.
Why it matters
The organization identified a significant lack of production at first base as a primary cause for the team's poor finish. Stearns noted that the team's performance over the final two months provided a glimmer of hope to build upon during the upcoming winter.
The team concluded the 2026 season with a 74-88 record and finished last in the NL East. Meanwhile, former Met Pete Alonso thrived with the Baltimore Orioles, leading the American League with 43 home runs and 115 RBIs.
The players
David Stearns
He serves as the president of baseball operations for the New York Mets.
Pete Alonso
He is a former Mets slugger who joined the Baltimore Orioles on a five-year, $155 million deal in December 2025.
The details
Stearns emphasized the need to refurbish the starting rotation and solidify infield production following a season characterized by offensive and pitching deficiencies. The team will now shift its focus toward evaluating young talent across the organization to bolster the roster for next year.
Timeline
December 2025: Pete Alonso signed his contract with the Baltimore Orioles.
September 2026: The season concluded with the final homestand and Stearns addressed the media.
Winter 2026-2027: The front office will pursue roster fortification.
Season Trajectory
The departure of Pete Alonso to the Orioles has left a void in the Mets lineup that directly impacted the team's standing in the NL East. Stearns must now balance developing younger roster players with making external moves to restore the franchise's competitive balance.
The lack of production at first base in 2026 remains the most critical hurdle for the organization as it attempts to move out of the NL East basement. Fans should monitor winter trade rumors and free agent signings as the primary indicators for a potential 2027 roster turnaround.
The takeaway
The Mets face a pivotal winter as they work to replace lost offensive production and stabilize their pitching rotation. Strengthening key positions is essential if the team hopes to improve upon a last-place finish in the coming season.
Further reading
For more information on current team developments, visit the New York City Baseball section.
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Do you support prioritizing roster changes over keeping long-time fan-favorite players?
