Change is in the Air for the Mets

With the Mets’ roster remake nearing completion, David Stearns is aware that the true test lies ahead, from March to October. He’s confident about the decisions he made during the offseason, even after a disappointing 2025 season.

“We believe in this group,” Stearns mentioned during a Zoom call from Citi Field. “I think they’ll come together really well.” As the offseason progressed, questions arose about how well this might actually happen, particularly in the infield.

Stearns noted that Bo Bichette, along with Jorge Polanco, will be transitioning to new positions. One of his primary offseason objectives is enhancing the team’s ability to prevent runs. This means Bichette will take on the role of third baseman, while Polanco will shift to first base, both of them having played mostly shortstop in their careers.

“It’s true we’re asking them to learn new positions,” he acknowledged. “But both of them are incredibly talented and smart players. They’re quite athletic, too.” However, Stearns admitted that they’ll need time to adapt, saying he anticipates some mistakes along the way.

Still, he expressed confidence in their ability to perform at a high level in their new roles. He highlighted the importance of building a strong defense, specifically mentioning how Francisco Lindor will play second base next to the newly acquired Marcus Semien, with Luis Robert Jr. in center field. “We’re definitely improving our defense in key areas,” he noted.

The changes reflect Stearns’ vision after the Mets failed to make the playoffs last season, a disappointment that followed a strong 2024 when they reached the NLCS and signed Juan Soto. “Looking back on the 2025 season, I realized I had to make changes. I wasn’t going to stick with the status quo,” he explained. “We’re assembling a talented roster this year, but it’ll look a bit different. There will be many new faces that weren’t part of what happened last year. I think that’s a positive shift for us.”

Recent moves include trading Freddy Peralta to bolster the rotation, parting ways with Pete Alonso early in the offseason, and upgrading the bullpen with players like Devin Williams and Luke Weaver. He also traded Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil, while acquiring Edwin Diaz.

Even with spring training just around the corner, Stearns hesitated to predict outcomes. “Our division is really competitive,” he remarked when asked if he viewed the Mets as the top team in the National League East. “We have strong teams, and some are improving. Until we clinch our division, we can’t claim to be on top. We still have work to do, and we’re dedicated to it.”