David Stearns, the man steering the New York Mets, has a reputation that's both celebrated and scrutinized. His decisions often walk the fine line between genius and misstep, a reality that every Mets fan has come to understand. Stearns is known for making sharp roster moves, but occasionally, his sentimental side gets the best of him-especially when it comes to players who shine in the postseason.
Take Sean Manaea, for instance. After a couple of shaky outings this spring and a noticeable dip in velocity, Manaea's spot in the rotation seems precarious.
His return last year was marred by inconsistency, despite a strong finish and a solid playoff performance. The Mets banked on that late-season success, but now they’re left wondering if that was the right call.
Ryne Stanek is another player who illustrates this pattern. Despite a rocky regular season, he became a bullpen stalwart for manager Carlos Mendoza during the playoffs, outshining even Phil Maton. The Mets brought him back, but his performance over the long haul of 2025 showed that Stanek thrives in bursts, not sustained stretches.
And then there's Jesse Winker, who brought a spark to the team with a stellar August, only to fade in September. His clutch playoff moments earned him another shot in free agency, but injuries and a lackluster 2025 season left much to be desired. Interestingly, his .709 OPS in 2025 was an improvement over his 2024 numbers, yet it still didn’t meet expectations.
This past offseason, Stearns didn’t have to wrestle with postseason-induced sentimentality, as the Mets missed the playoffs. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best moves are the ones you don’t make. As the Mets look to the future, Stearns’ challenge will be balancing his keen eye for talent with the emotional pulls of past performances.