David Stearns speaks out after massive Mets upheaval

David Stearns understands the uproar over the uprooting of the longtime core of the Mets.

He also believes that allowing Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz to leave in free agency and trading Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil were the correct moves as he attempts to turn the franchise into a consistent World Series threat.  

In his first public comments since the Winter Meetings, during which and after which the offseason upheaval was hastened, Stearns acknowledged the changes to the roster have been “tough,” but he believes that he is setting the Mets up for success in the present and the future.

“We are committed, universally from ownership on down, to ensure that the next five years of the Mets are better,” Stearns said at a luncheon with reporters at Citi Field on Tuesday, “and that we win more games and meet the lofty expectations that we all have for ourselves.

“… What we’ve done previously has not been good enough. We all know that. I certainly know that. We’ve got to do better, and we’re committed to doing that.”

The Mets have added Jorge Polanco to primarily play first base, Marcus Semien at second and added Devin Williams and Luke Weaver to the back of their bullpen.

Stearns believes the Mets, who have made strides defensively but project worse offensively at this moment, are legitimately good even before further additions are brought in.

“We have elite talent at the top of our major league roster,” Stearns said. “We’ve got a very good farm system, and we’ve got a very good present-day major league team as we sit here today that’s going to get better before we get to Opening Day. 

“I certainly understand that there have been points this offseason that have been frustrating for our fan base. We’re not blind to that at all. I’m certainly not blind to that. I hear it, I recognize it — from my friends and family at times — I’m also very convicted that what we are doing is the right thing for our franchise going forward to accomplish our goals.”