BREAKING: Mets President David Stearns Sends Strong Warning Shots To Rest Of League Ahead Of Free Agency
The New York Mets made a remarkable turnaround in the last four-plus months of the season, bouncing back from a rough start to make a deep postseason run, reaching the NLCS. The future looks far brighter for the Mets than it did just a year ago.
Since Steve Cohen purchased the team before the 2021 season, the Mets have been known for their big spending, and with a significant amount of salary coming off the books, they’re primed to continue their aggressive approach. During a Wednesday press conference, Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns sent a clear message to the league about the team’s intentions in free agency.
After coming close to winning their first National League pennant since 2015, falling to the Dodgers in six games in the NLCS, the Mets are looking to reload. While much of their successful pitching staff is set to hit free agency, the team boasts a strong core of position players. Francisco Lindor had an MVP-caliber season, Brandon Nimmo remains a key piece in the outfield, and rising stars like Mark Vientos and Francisco Alvarez look promising for the future. Although Pete Alonso is entering free agency, many expect the Mets to retain him.
This offseason’s free agent class is headlined by Yankees slugger Juan Soto and Orioles ace Corbin Burnes. Soto has long been linked to the Mets, and a high-profile bidding war between the Yankees and Mets is anticipated. The Mets are also in need of top-tier starting pitching to pair with Kodai Senga, who was limited by injury this year.
"The entirety of the player universe is potentially accessible to us. That's an enormous opportunity. I envision us taking advantage of that opportunity and being aggressive in certain spaces."
– David Stearns on the offseason pic.twitter.com/kILVwb0rBR
— SNY (@SNYtv) October 23, 2024
With over $150 million in salary available, the Mets are well-positioned to make big moves. Stearns’ comments at the press conference underscore their intention to spend aggressively as they look to contend in 2025.