If you’re trying to win baseball games, keeping runs off the board is a pretty good place to start. That’s the mindset driving the New York Mets this offseason, as new president of baseball operations David Stearns leans hard into a strategy built around run prevention - pitching and defense as the foundation for a turnaround in Queens.
But here’s the twist: the Mets aren’t going all-in on gloves and groundouts. According to recent reports, they’re also keeping tabs on Kyle Schwarber, one of the most feared power bats on the free agent market - and, let’s be honest, not exactly a poster child for defensive excellence.
That’s where things get interesting. Schwarber, a designated hitter through and through, represents the kind of bat-first addition that seems to fly in the face of a defense-first blueprint.
But the Mets’ interest in him - and potentially in a Pete Alonso reunion - suggests Stearns is aiming for balance, not extremes. Run prevention may be the headline, but slugging still has a seat at the table.
The Power-Defense Balancing Act
Schwarber is the ultimate “you know what you’re getting” player. He’s not going to win you games with his glove, but he might win them with one swing. The Mets’ reported interest in him signals that Stearns isn’t building a team that wins 2-1 every night - he’s building a team that can win in different ways.
And then there’s Alonso. The slugger remains unsigned as of December 1, with the Winter Meetings right around the corner.
While no one expected him to ink a deal this early, the waiting game seems more strategic than uncertain. Alonso, like fellow Scott Boras client Alex Bregman, is likely playing the long game after a strong season that set him up for a bigger payday.
Both players took short-term deals with opt-outs last year, betting on themselves - and winning.
If Alonso does return to the Mets, it’s likely he’ll see more time as a designated hitter, which opens up a new question: who plays first base when he’s not there? Mark Vientos is in the mix, but the upgrade there isn’t obvious. This is where the Mets’ front office has to thread the needle - finding ways to add thump without compromising too much on defense.
Other Names in the Mix?
Schwarber and Alonso aren’t the only names floating in Mets circles. There’s also Eugenio Suárez, a player with a big bat and some defensive question marks.
He’s not a natural fit at first base, but he could be part of a DH rotation that gives the Mets lineup some real depth. And because Suárez likely comes at a lower price point, it could free up payroll to address other needs - particularly in the outfield.
A Shift in Strategy?
Just last week, the Mets traded away Brandon Nimmo, a move that underlined their commitment to run prevention. Nimmo’s departure was about more than just clearing space - it was about reshaping the team’s identity. But now, with names like Schwarber and Alonso back in the mix, it’s clear the Mets aren’t chasing a one-dimensional roster.
Instead, they’re trying to build a roster that can win in multiple ways. Pitching and defense will be the backbone, but they’re not going to ignore the value of a middle-of-the-order bat that can change a game with one swing.
So yes, the Mets are prioritizing run prevention - but they’re not blind to the scoreboard, either. In today’s game, you don’t just need to stop runs.
You need to score them, too. And the Mets, it seems, are trying to do both.