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Mets Boss: No Mulligans on Alonso Trade
29 Sep
Summary
- Stearns admits no do-overs on re-signing Pete Alonso.
- Mets finished last in NL East despite $358 million payroll.
- Alonso led AL with 43 homers and 113 RBIs for Baltimore.
David Stearns, the Mets' president of baseball operations, stated Monday that he does not get do-overs regarding personnel decisions. This reflection came one day after the team concluded its season in last place in the NL East for the first time in 23 years. Stearns acknowledged that the team's production at first base was insufficient, especially in the absence of Pete Alonso.
Alonso, the franchise's homegrown home run leader, signed a $155 million, five-year contract with the Baltimore Orioles last fall. Stearns had prioritized improving pitching and defense, a strategy he wryly noted did not work as well as intended, joking he might retire the phrase 'run prevention.'
Alonso's departure was keenly felt as key players Juan Soto and Francisco Lindor also faced lengthy injury absences. Soto's OPS was the second-lowest of his career, and Lindor set full-season career lows in several offensive categories. The Mets' first basemen collectively hit 18 homers with a .667 OPS, ranking third-lowest in the league.
Fans voiced their displeasure, with chants of "Fire Stearns!" heard during Alonso's recent return to Citi Field. Stearns described the end of the season as a "miserable experience" and expressed the organization's strong motivation to prevent such a outcome from recurring.
