Eyes back on David Stearns, Javier Báez, and where Robinson Canó fits into the Mets' plans
Eyes back on David Stearns, Javier Báez, and where Robinson Canó fits into the Mets' plans
New York's never-ending pursuit of David Stearns marches forward. Plus, the Mets could look to lock up Báez early in the offseason.
What’s Up with the Mets? 💭
The Mets continue to have their eye on Brewers president of baseball operations David Stearns - they could have serious interest in the same role with the Mets if available after the 2022 season (The Athletic)
New York has not made a formal offer to Adam Cromie or any of the other potential candidates for their GM job, Sandy Alderson said on Wednesday.
The Mets will consider top of the rotation as well as depth in the starting pitching market this winter. Alderson said re-signing Marcus Stroman will depend partially on his level of interest in returning.
Alderson believes Javier Báez would fit very well in New York over the long-term - he left a positive impression on the Mets during his short stay in 2021 and the Mets have already engaged Baez’s agent at the GM Meetings this week (MLB.com).
Alderson said Robinson Canó’s role with the team hasn’t been defined yet. As for Cano’s return, Alderson said, “I think how he is received will depend on how he conducts himself and explains himself between now and spring training.”
Canó went 1-for-4 in his debut for the Dominican Winter League on Wednesday.
Super-agent Scott Boras told reporters on Wednesday he believes Michael Conforto can still expect a lucrative, long-term contract despite his disappointing 2021 season.
Boras expects Kumar Rocker — whom the Mets did not sign following the 2021 draft due to concerns over his medicals — to re-enter the draft in 2022.
Mets third-ranked prospect Brett Baty will represent the club in the Fall-Star Game in the AFL on November 13th.
Good things come for those who wait? 📝
Maybe this is a time to trust the process after all.
Earlier in the off-season, the Mets were stymied in their attempt to even speak with Brewers President of Baseball Operations David Stearns, as the club denied their request to interview their prodigy for the same role, leaving the Mets scrambling around the league to find other candidates for the job.
But while the the optics were bad as they appeared to come up empty in their search to find a president of baseball operations, they could have a bigger picture and longer view in mind for their baseball operations department.
All signs continue to suggest former Nationals GM Adam Cromie is the lead candidate for the Mets’ GM job, but that could merely be one piece of the puzzle as the Mets are still eyeing Stearns as their potential president of baseball operations.
Not right now, however, but according to The Athletic, Stearns is interested in the same job with the Mets after his contract expires, believed to be after the 2022 season.
And, Sandy Alderson hinted there might be a new master plan to the design of their front office when speaking about their pursuit of a general manager on Tuesday.
“Assuming we only hire one person, there will be at least a year’s runway for that person to demonstrate their ability and their potential,” Alderson explained at the GM Meetings on Tuesday. “I’ve said this to others in the past, that’s the opportunity. That’s all you can ask for. And demonstrated ability tends to get rewarded.”
Stearns, 36, graduated from Harvard University in 2007 and briefly worked for the Mets in their baseball operations department before landing a job with Major League Baseball in 2008, working in their labor relations department and served as a key figure in the negotiations for the collective bargaining agreement that year. He would go on to Cleveland in 2011, briefly serving as their director of baseball operations before joining the Astros in 2012 as their assistant general manager. Stearns served in that role three years before the Brewers hired him as their general manager in 2015. He has since been promoted to president of baseball operations
Stearns is also New York native, having grown up in Manhattan and, as is the case with Steve Cohen, was an avid Mets fan as he detailed for the Harvard Crimson in 2007.
While in Milwaukee, Stearns has overseen four straight playoff appearances since the 2017 season, having reached the National League Championship Series once during that time.
So, if this is in fact the grand vision of both Alderson and Sandy Alderson, as the old adage goes, good things come for those who wait.
Hot Stove 🔥
The Red Sox are working to try and retain Eduardo Rodriguez (Boston Globe) and are showing early interest in Steven Matz (NY Post).
Scott Boras told reporters on Wednesday free agent LHP Carlos Rodon is seeking a multi-year deal after not receiving a qualifying offer from the White Sox, who are still interested in re-signing Rodon this winter (MLB.com).
Cole Hamels plans to continue pitching — he is targeting a return next summer (MLB.com).
Yankees GM Brian Cashman recently told reporters he has already engaged agents for two separate free agent shortstops, and has discussed the possibility of re-signing Anthony Rizzo to a new contract (NY Post).
Prospect Watch ⚾
Yesterday’s stats in the Arizona Fall & Dominican Winter Leagues
Brett Baty (3B, No. 2 prospect): 1-for-4, K
Ronny Mauricio (SS, No. 3 prospect): 1-for-4, RBI
Colin Holderman (RHP, unranked): 1 IP, 0 R, 2 K