New York Mets President David Stearns Balances Youth and Experience in Roster Management

PORT ST. LUCIE — Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns remains committed to giving his young players an opportunity, but he also walks a fine line by always looking to improve this year’s roster with proven products.

Exhibit A was JD Davis, who agreed to a one-year deal with Oakland on Friday worth $2.5 million, with another $1 million possible through incentives, an industry source confirmed.

The Mets pursued the free agent third baseman as a possible protection against Brett Baty or Mark Vientos who were struggling in regular roles for the club.

But several hours before news of Davis’ deal with the Athletics surfaced — the former Mets third baseman chose the A’s largely because of playing time opportunities, Joel Sherman reported from the Post – Stearns also reaffirmed his vision for this season.

New York Mets President of Baseball Operations David Stearns has remained true to his vision. Corey Sipkin for NY POST

“I still think it’s important for us to give young players who have been consistently successful at the minor league level opportunities to contribute in the big leagues,” Stearns said. “I think it’s important. These two guys [Baty and Vientos] fall into this category.

“I have also been consistent that this needs to happen during the year. It may not have to happen exactly on opening day.

Another JD – Martinez – remains available as a potential full-time DH option.

But adding Martinez would perhaps oust Vientos from the mix in a significant way.

Stearns said there was a constant “tension” between the goals of trying to improve the team and remaining committed to giving younger players a chance.

San Francisco Giants third baseman JD Davis has been released after the team signed Matt Chapman. P.A.

“We’re going to do our best to balance that and make sure we can put a competitive team, a good team on the field right now,” Stearns said. “And also build that long-term sustainable success that we’re looking for.”

Stearns praised Baty and Vientos for the work they have done since last season to improve defensively.

Vientos, whose primary tool is power, also potentially figures into the DH equation.

On the left side, the Mets have DJ Stewart and Ji Man Choi as options.

“That’s one of the questions we’re going to continue to answer here over the next few weeks,” Stearns said when asked about the DH spot. “That could be our rotation with some of our regulars. This might be geared more toward one of the strike-first players that are here in camp, but I don’t think we have an answer to that question right now.

The Mets also still have two open spots in the bullpen and have yet to officially select a starter in Tylor Megill and Jose Butto to fill Kodai Senga’s spot in the rotation to start the season.

Senga won’t pitch until at least early May after suffering a shoulder strain early in camp.

Stearns said spring training performance is just one factor that will guide decisions.

Mark Vientos should get some time in the Mets lineup to start the season. P.A.

“We’re not trying to look at overall performance,” Stearns said. “We try to look at the end result and the process that leads to it and that process informs those decisions in the context of our list and… who has [minor league] options and who doesn’t. Who could be the right fit at the start of the season. There are a lot of different factors and in some of these spring practices, performance plays a small role, but certainly not all of it.

Stearns cited the team culture as the aspect of camp he is most pleased with.

“That’s what you’re looking to create in spring training, is an environment where players want to come on the field every day,” Stearns said. “An environment where it’s a fun place for everyone to work productively to get better and I think our coaching staff has done a tremendous job of making that happen.”

2024-03-16 05:17:03
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