As the New York Mets begin the final month of the 2023 campaign, many questions surround the team heading into the Winter. The offseason will be filled with questions about how they can improve the team on the field. However, another hole the Mets will have to fill will be in the front office. As owner Steve Cohen expressed during a press conference in June, he is looking for a president of baseball operations. Over the past couple of years, the Mets have been interested in one candidate in particular—a former member of the Mets front office and current Milwaukee Brewers executive, David Stearns.
Mets In Discussions With Brewers Executive
On Tuesday, as the Mets slugged their way to an 11-5 win over the Washington Nationals, The Athletics’ Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon reported they were in discussions with Stearns. SNY’s Andy Martino would further confirm their report. His contract stated that after the August 1 trade deadline, he could start talking to other clubs. Previously, Brewers’ owner Mark Attanasio could block Stearns from interviewing with teams such as the Mets, but that’s off the table now.
If the Mets want to hire David Stearns, their path is now clear. Story with @WillSammon: https://t.co/CtDV8T7Bu5
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) September 6, 2023
According to @TheAthletic and confirmed by @martinonyc, the Mets have spoken to David Stearns about joining their front office.@martinonyc reports that the Stearns discussions are “further along then they ever got with Theo Epstein but not a sure thing yet.” pic.twitter.com/8ufikmFdeN
— SNY Mets (@SNY_Mets) September 6, 2023
Reporting form @Ken_Rosenthal is accurate – Mets have talked to David Stearns, obviously no surprise there. There’s also industry chatter today linking him to Houston. Stearns could talk to other teams in August.
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) September 6, 2023
The way it’s been described to me re: Stearns/Mets is that’s it’s further along then they ever got with Theo Epstein but not a sure thing yet
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) September 6, 2023
Martino also noted that current general manager Billy Eppler would remain at his position if the Mets hire Stearns.
Billy Eppler will remain general manager no matter what happens with this.
— Andy Martino (@martinonyc) September 6, 2023
Mets Aren’t The Only Team With Interest
As was also reported, the Mets aren’t alone in pursuing Stearns’ services. The defending World Series champion Houston Astros are also interested. Stearns worked as an assistant general manager for the Astros from 2013-2015. During that tenure, the Astros drafted such talents as Kyle Tucker and Alex Bregman. The Astros moved on from general manager James Click after last season. Stearns’ relationship with Astros owner Jim Crane could make things a little tricky for the Mets.
Main Photo Credits: Michael McLoone-USA TODAY Sports
