Mets Owner Cohen Says Stearns Will Finish Contract Despite Team’s Last-Place Standing

New York Mets owner Steve Cohen said president of baseball operations David Stearns will complete the five-year contract he signed before the 2024 season. Cohen spoke on a New York Post podcast released Wednesday and added that Stearns' work during the past offseason contributed to the team's performance this year. "David is reflective and adaptable.

We'll figure out what changes need to be made, but it won't be David," Cohen said. The statement came days after the Mets dismissed manager Carlos Mendoza, whom Stearns had hired. As of Wednesday the Mets held a 36-50 record and sat in last place in the National League East, 14½ games behind the Braves.

They trailed seven teams for the final wild-card spot and carried less than a 1 percent chance of reaching the postseason, according to SportsLine. Several players acquired or retained under Stearns this offseason have posted limited results. Infielder Bo Bichette entered with a 0.1 WAR while leading the NL in at-bats.

Marcus Semien, obtained in the Brandon Nimmo trade, posted a 71 OPS+ and landed on the injured list. 286 slash line. Outfielder Luis Robert Jr. played in 24 games. Right-hander Freddy Peralta posted a 4.53 ERA in 17 starts, and closer Devin Williams posted a negative WAR with his worst career K/BB ratio.

The Mets allowed Pete Alonso and Edwin Díaz to leave via free agency and traded Jeff McNeil and Brandon Nimmo. Alonso is tied for seventh in the American League in home runs with the Orioles, while Nimmo has produced for the Rangers. Setup man Luke Weaver has been a positive addition for New York.

Cohen said the organization would evaluate further adjustments while keeping Stearns in place through the end of his contract.