David Stearns targets run prevention as the Mets' critical focus. Can Semien, Lindor, and rising pitchers deliver shutdown defense in 2026?
The New York Mets' epic collapse at the end of the 2025 MLB season was one that has left a sour taste in their mouths.
Then, they traded away Brandon Nimmo and Jeff McNeil and saw Edwin Diaz and Pete Alonso leave in free agency.
None of that is positive, and although they signed Devin Williams, Jorge Polanco and acquired Marcus Semien, the Mets need to improve the roster in hopes of making the postseason in 2026.
Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report had New Year's Resolutions for every team, and for the Mets, it was to prevent more runs.
Here's what he wrote:
"The Mets definitely look different than they did in 2025, but whether they'll be any better will come down to the whole point of their different look. For David Stearns, it's about getting better at preventing runs. This is often easier said than done, but having Semien in a double play combination with Francisco Lindor can only help. Otherwise, this club badly needs the young arms of Nolan McLean, Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat to shine as brightly as they can in 2026."
Mets President David Stearns had said preventing runs was a priority, so this feels like a massive need going forward.
“Run prevention is where we fell short this year,” Stearns said after the season, via Tim Britton of The Athletic. “It’s where we need to get better.”
Stears had also said they are "open to everything" to improve the pitching, but the biggest thing was stressing the need for more innings from the staff.
“We need more innings out of our starting staff, there’s no question about that,” Stearns said.
Well, for starters, the Mets have been linked to a potential trade for Miami Marlins pitcher Edward Cabrera, but the Marlins trading him within the National League East would be a surprise.
The Mets have also been rumored to be engaged in discussions for San Diego Padres ace Nick Pivetta in a possible trade, but it remains to be seenw aht AJ Preller and the Padres would be looking for in return.
Nonetheless, with a big loss like Alonso going to the Baltimore Orioles, the offense might take a step back, and that puts even more pressure on the pitching staff going forward.
There is still time, but the early signs this offseason are not as encouraging as some were hoping they would be.