Copyright Essentially Sports
The offseason is officially upon everyone. For the Mets, though, their offseason began earlier than they would’ve liked. We’ve learned to anticipate a specific strategy from David Stearns during the offseason market. He doesn’t look to bargain. He’s after players who still have more to show than their last season suggests. We got a good taste of that when heading into the 2024 season, the team signed Sean Manaea and Luis Severino, two pitchers who’d struggled but had strong track records. Once again, David Stearns’ offseason tendencies are under the spotlight, with an analyst calling them out and Steve Cohen chiming in with a witty reply. The Wave’s Editor-in-Chief, Mark C. Healey, recently expressed his frustration over the team’s tight-lipped off-season under David Stearns. “One thing worries me about potential #Mets moves this winter? The lack of any real actionable intel into the team’s plans from the folks who cover the team. Many feel the “no leaks” reality is a good thing, but when it’s combined with unpredictability (Stearns), it’s frustrating.” He noted. Apparently, within a few hours, it caught Mets’ owner Steve Cohen’s attention. He was quick to respond with a hilarious jab: “Mark, I like operating that way, but if you call Alex, she will tell you everything.” Cohen noted. He playfully teased that while he likes to keep Mets business confidential, his wife, Alex, might accidentally spill the team’s secrets. David Stearns has built a reputation for uncovering value in players whose recent numbers don’t reflect their true skill level. Instead of overspending on established stars, he focuses on players with strong underlying metrics and the potential to rebound — like Sean Manaea and Luis Severino last season. It’s a strategy that prioritizes efficiency and upside over flash. The results so far have been mixed but promising. Severino showed flashes of his old form, while Manaea provided reliable innings throughout the year. Stearns’ approach isn’t about nailing every signing but building depth and balance so that one breakout can offset another’s struggles. Read Top Stories First From EssentiallySports Click here and check box next to EssentiallySports Behind these moves is a data-driven process. The Mets’ front office studies spin rates, expected ERAs, exit velocities, and mechanical trends to spot hidden upside. They also evaluate a player’s health trajectory and prior peaks to determine who might bounce back under the right conditions. Since Steve Cohen bought the team in 2020, every Mets offseason has come with its share of drama, and this one’s no different. Next week marks the first official workweek of the offseason, and there’s plenty to keep an eye on. The Mets have several needs to address this offseason. However, Steve Cohen is making sure nothing leaks from inside the organization. Remember how last season, the team stayed in the spotlight during the Juan Soto sweepstakes? All that back and forth with the Yankees. But this time, they seem more interested in keeping things quiet and getting their work done behind the scenes. The Mets’ off-season is going to be full of intrigue Here’s a look at the unrestricted free agents who finished the season on the 40-man roster: OF Starling Marte, OF Cedric Mullins, DH Jesse Winker, RHP Griffin Canning, RHP Ryne Stanek, RHP Ryan Helsley, RHP Tyler Rogers, and LHP Gregory Soto. Apart from these eight, Pete Alonso, Edwin Díaz, A.J. Minter, and Frankie Montas have opt-out clauses in their contracts. Edwin Díaz still has two guaranteed years and $38 million left, with player options for the next two seasons. Meanwhile, Pete Alonso holds a $24 million player option for 2026. In contrast, Frankie Montas has a $17 million player option for 2026. Pete Alonso has already said he plans to opt out of his contract. Edwin Díaz, on the other hand, hasn’t confirmed anything yet. But most expect him to do the same. Frankie Montas, who’s still recovering from Tommy John surgery in September, won’t be opting out. A.J. Minter likely won’t either after missing most of the season with a left lat strain. His status for Opening Day is still uncertain. The Mets are almost certain to pick up Brooks Raley’s 2026 team option. He posted a strong 2.45 ERA over 30 appearances this season. Mets’ Drew Smith’s situation, however, is less clear. He spent the summer rehabbing from Tommy John surgery in July 2024 and never made it back to the minors. Still, he’s expected to be ready around the start of next season. The next few weeks will determine which of these options will be exercised. And most importantly, how they’ll shape the team’s payroll going forward.
