The Mets' President of Baseball Operations, David Stearns, faced a barrage of questions from the media as the team prepared for a crucial homestand against the Tigers and Yankees. With the Mets currently sitting at the bottom of the league with a 15-25 record, Stearns was under pressure to address the team's struggles, particularly their underperforming offense and the recent promotion of A.J. Ewing to the major league roster.
Stearns began by emphasizing the importance of Ewing's readiness for the big leagues. He highlighted Ewing's performance, maturity, and ability to handle various situations, suggesting that the decision to promote him was well-considered. However, Stearns also acknowledged the team's overall situation, noting that the Mets have not been a strong offensive force and have faced challenges due to injuries and players not performing at their best.
When asked about Luis Robert Jr.'s lack of progress, Stearns revealed that the team is exploring additional specialist consultations to address his back soreness. Despite the ongoing issues, Stearns remained optimistic about the team's potential for a postseason run, citing their talent and the remaining season ahead.
The conversation then turned to the Mets' approach to acquisitions and trades. Stearns acknowledged the risk associated with injured players but emphasized the team's commitment to improving. He also addressed the team's defense, defending manager Carlos Mendoza's status, and provided updates on key players like Francisco Lindor and Sean Manaea.
In a surprising turn, Stearns expressed his reluctance to conduct a postmortem on the team's performance in May, citing the players' track records and his belief in their ability to turn things around. He also mentioned the need for further bullpen sessions for A.J. Minter before his return to the lineup.
Stearns concluded by addressing the fans' concerns. He acknowledged the team's disappointing start and emphasized their determination to improve. He also ruled out the possibility of selling off players, indicating that the focus remains on building a stronger team for the future.
In summary, Stearns' media session provided valuable insights into the Mets' current challenges and their strategy for addressing them. Despite the team's struggles, he maintained a positive outlook, emphasizing the importance of talent development and the potential for a successful season ahead.
