New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns reflected Monday on the team’s decision to part ways with Pete Alonso last offseason, acknowledging that the move may not have produced the desired results. Alonso, the franchise’s all-time home run leader, signed a five-year, $155 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles after the Mets declined to offer him a long-term extension.

Alonso responded with a strong performance for Baltimore, hitting 43 home runs and posting an .884 OPS in the current season. Meanwhile, the Mets struggled to fill the production gap at first base throughout their campaign, finishing with a disappointing 74-win total.

Asked if he would change his approach regarding Alonso’s departure, Stearns said, “I think that’s a very fair question.” He added that while there are no second chances in his role, Alonso’s success and the Mets’ underwhelming output at first base were clear factors in his assessment.

The Mets’ primary replacement, Jorge Polanco, was hampered by injuries and appeared in only 37 games, limiting his impact. Mark Vientos also failed to meet expectations at first base, while Jared Young emerged late in the season to provide some stability at the position.

Stearns conceded that the entire offseason process last year was a learning experience. “I give Pete an enormous amount of credit. He went out and had a really good year,” Stearns said. “Throughout the entirety of our season, our first base production wasn’t good enough, and now it’s my job to put a group together next year that plays better.”

Looking ahead, Stearns emphasized the importance of improving roster construction and addressing the first base position more effectively to enhance the team’s overall performance in the upcoming season.