New York Mets Brass Being Skewered For Offseason Performance

In the world of New York Mets baseball, the hot stove isn’t just warm; it’s practically radioactive. And the latest meltdown has Mets fans pointing their pitchforks squarely at one man: David Stearns. Why? Because Edwin Díaz, the flamethrowing closer with the trumpet entrance that could raise the dead, is packing his bags for the Los Angeles Dodgers. For a three-year, $69 million deal.

Let that sink in. The guy who was the beating heart of the Mets’ bullpen, a two-time Reliever of the Year, is heading to the reigning World Series champs for what amounts to pocket change in modern baseball.

Why Are Mets Fans Losing Their Minds?

For weeks, the narrative was that Díaz wanted a five-year contract, a length the Mets front office, led by Stearns, was understandably hesitant to commit to. We all nodded along, thinking, “Okay, that’s a reasonable sticking point.” But then, BAM! Díaz inks a three-year deal with the Dodgers. The exact length the Mets supposedly wanted. It turns out the issue wasn’t the years; it was the money.

According to reports, the Mets’ offer was a measly three years and $66 million, with some of that money deferred. That’s like trying to buy a Ferrari with a coupon for a free car wash. They were in the ballpark, but apparently couldn’t be bothered to walk up to the plate. Díaz took the Dodgers’ offer, which didn’t just offer more money upfront but also sent a clear message: we want you, and we’ll pay for the privilege.

The fan reaction has been, to put it mildly, volcanic. Social media is a dumpster fire of rage, with fans calling Stearns a “FRAUD” and his handling of the situation “CRIMINAL.” One fan put it perfectly: “What’s the point of Steve Cohen if Stearns doesn’t spend his $.” It’s a fair question. Having the richest owner in baseball feels a bit pointless if your front office is going to pinch pennies on a generational talent.

What Does This Mean For Pete Alonso?

This entire fiasco casts a looming shadow over the future of another beloved Met: Pete Alonso. If Stearns and the Mets were willing to let a superstar closer walk over a few million dollars, what does that signal for the upcoming negotiations with their slugging first baseman?

Alonso is the franchise’s cornerstone, a homegrown hero who smashes home runs and embodies the spirit of the team. Letting him go would be a catastrophic, unforgivable blunder. The Díaz situation has rightfully made the fanbase incredibly nervous. It feels like we’re watching a slow-motion car crash, and everyone is bracing for the inevitable impact on the Alonso negotiations.

The pressure is now immense on Stearns. He let a fan favorite walk to a direct rival, creating a massive hole in the bullpen and an even bigger one in the hearts of the Flushing faithful. The only way to quell this rebellion is to make a significant move, and that starts and ends with securing Alonso for the long haul. If not, the torches and pitchforks will be the least of his worries. He will have a full-blown mutiny on his hands.