David Stearns seems to recognize that the New York Mets won’t clinch a World Series with some key current members.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan revealed that pitcher Kodai Senga, second baseman Jeff McNeil, and left fielder Brandon Nimmo are on the trade market this winter. This suggests the president of baseball operations is considering offloading not just younger players like Brett Baty, Mark Vientos, and Luisangel Acuña.
Senga being part of trade discussions isn’t surprising. Injuries have limited his play, and a hamstring injury halted a strong first half of his season. On return, his performance dropped with a 6.56 ERA over his final eight appearances. Struggling with mechanics, he accepted a demotion to Triple-A and couldn’t regain form.
After the season closed, Stearns mentioned that the Mets can’t depend on the 32-year-old right-hander going forward.
“Kodai Senga has had two inconsistent and challenging years in a row,” he stated in late September. “We know the potential is there, and we’ll do everything possible to harness it. But to assume he’ll make 30 starts next year? That would be unwise.”
McNeil, 33, hasn’t consistently performed offensively to assure a regular role, though his versatility is noted, allowing him to play second base and all outfield positions. Yet, after a 2022 batting title with a .326 average, he’s slashing .253/.326/.389 (.715 OPS) over three seasons, hindering younger players like Acuna, Baty, and Ronny Mauricio from getting more major league time. He recently underwent thoracic outlet syndrome surgery but should be ready by spring training.
Nimmo’s potential trade is surprising but aligns with Stearns’ focus on run prevention this off-season. At 32, he’s coming off a power-high season with 25 home runs and 92 RBI, but his defensive skills were average, with five years left on his eight-year, $162 million deal.
Additionally, there’s a real chance home run leader Pete Alonso may leave in free agency, suggesting the Mets’ core could significantly change by 2026.
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