David Stearns Reflects on Pete Alonso Departure as Mets Finish 74-88

Mets president David Stearns acknowledged that the team's first base production was not good enough following the departure of Pete Alonso.

New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns addressed the organization's decision to let Pete Alonso leave in free agency following a 74-88 season that resulted in a last-place finish in the National League East. Alonso, who signed a five-year, $155 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles, led the American League with 43 home runs and 113 RBIs. In his absence, Mets first basemen combined for 18 home runs, 77 RBIs, and a .667 OPS, which ranked as the third-lowest production at the position in the major leagues.

The Mets' $358 million payroll resulted in their worst record since 2017, hampered by a 12-game losing streak in April. Lineup mainstays Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto missed significant time due to calf injuries; Lindor posted career lows in batting average (.225) and RBIs (49), while Soto finished with a .908 OPS. During an August series at Citi Field, Alonso hit his 300th career home run to tie a game in the ninth inning as the Orioles completed a three-game sweep.

Amid the struggles, the Mets fired manager Carlos Mendoza on June 26 and replaced him with Andy Green, who went 40-41 as interim manager before receiving a three-year permanent contract. The team also hired former Minnesota Twins executive Derek Falvey as senior adviser for baseball operations. Despite the losing season, rookies Carson Benge and A.J. Ewing combined for 31 home runs, while pitcher Nolan McLean finished 12-10 with a 3.16 ERA across 31 starts.