Winter Meetings: Stearns, Mendoza Talk Roster, Accountability

As Day 1 of the Winter Meetings kicked off in Orlando, Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns and manager Carlos Mendoza provided updates on the team’s offseason plans and current roster construction.

Stearns emphasized the Mets’ hope to utilize the winter meetings to make the team better but recognized it is a long offseason and they are “confident” they are setting themselves up to make transactions that will improve the team.

Both had various media hits Monday night. Here’s a recap of what they talked about.

BULLPEN AND ROTATION PLANS

Stearns expressed excitement with the acquisition of closer Devin Williams but acknowledged the bullpen remains a work in progress. Mendoza was equally excited, noting that Williams has been one of the best relievers the last few years and is used to pitching high-leverage situations with closing experience.

The starting rotation remains a priority. Stearns mentioned last year that they did not get enough length from their pitching. While the organization likes young starters who are emerging, such as Nolan McLean last year, they will be canvassing options to bring in a starting pitcher to stabilize the staff. As of now, there are no plans to move Clay Holmes to the bullpen.

The Mets on Monday were connected to players like Michael King and Robert Suarez.

When asked about protecting relievers, Mendoza said he doesn’t think this is a Mets-specific issue, but an industry issue, and he is comfortable with the Mets’ process. He believes the Mets are one of the better teams at protecting their relievers.

PETE ALONSO

The Mets won’t be meeting with Pete Alonso this week. Alonso will likely take time to meet with organizations he doesn’t know as well, and the Mets are sure they will be in touch.

Stearns emphasized Alonso remains a priority, as he has demonstrated he is “one of the best offensive players in the game.” Mendoza also said he would love Alonso back.

Stearns also said that Pete’s calling card is his bat, and there are multiple ways to fit him into a lineup. This means that the pace of Pete’s market does not necessarily prevent them from targeting other first base or designated hitter options in the meantime. Kyle Schwarber is a name that has come up multiple times over the last week.

JUAN SOTO

The Mets recently had a video call between Juan Soto, Kai Correa and Carlos Mendoza going over his defensive metrics and how he can improve in 2026.

He described Soto as “wanting to be coached,” and they have built an offseason plan for him to enter 2026 ready to improve his defense.

THIRD BASE AND OUTFIELD

Mendoza stated the expectation is that Brett Baty will receive the majority of playing time at third base in 2026. The Mets felt they had a tryout in 2025 between Baty, Mark Vientos, and Ronny Mauricio, and Baty earned the opportunity from his work both defensively and offensively.

In the outfield, if the season started today, Jeff McNeil would take significant time in left field, and they are confident Carson Benge can play there as well. The Mets are also in the market for an outfielder.

Regarding the Nimmo trade, Mendoza said that while it was not an easy decision for the organization, when you get a guy like Marcus Semien who has a lot of the same traits, qualities, makeup and is a proven winner while also providing premium defense, that is exciting.

LINDOR AND SOTO’S RELATIONSHIP

After some interesting news reports about Soto’s and Francisco Lindor’s relationship, Stearns stated that they are “two elite players who care a lot about winning, who show up and work incredibly hard and play very well together.”

He said that from his point of view, that’s what is most important to him.

HEALTH UPDATES

• Kodai Senga has had an outstanding offseason and feels as good physically as he has since the 2023 season. He is going through a normal offseason routine and will come across to the states at the end of the month to throw.
• Christian Scott is progressing well and will be ready by spring training.
• A.J. Minter may not be ready for Opening Day but could return shortly after.

New Coaching Staff & Accountability

There were a lot of tough conversations that had to be had after the season, but Mendoza is excited about the new coaching staff, especially how the Mets were able to promote coaches internally. He felt Kai Correa was an aggressive hire and said that he was No. 1 on their list for bench coach due to his defensive expertise.

Carlos Mendoza took full responsibility for missing the postseason. He felt in 2025 he was “not good enough,” adding that the team falling short “falls on me as a manager.” He plans to take this offseason to evaluate and grow.

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