David Stearns: Mets Ready to Compete for Elite Starting Pitcher

The New York Mets are at a crossroads as the offseason ramps up. At the MLB general managers meetings in Las Vegas, president of baseball operations David Stearns openly admitted the team needs a true ace at the front of the rotation.

The Mets have already spent big on pitching, but nobody really knows if there are enough elite starters on the free-agent or trade markets. Stearns seems to be considering a balanced approach—checking out external options but also leaning into the idea that developing a homegrown ace might just be the most sustainable way forward.

The Mets’ Search for a Rotation Leader

Last year, the Mets had high hopes for their pitching staff. They didn’t make upgrades before the midseason trade deadline, leaving the rotation exposed.

The late-season fade cost them a postseason spot. The front office seems determined to find a legitimate number-one starter this winter, hoping to avoid a repeat of last year’s collapse.

An Uncertain Market for Aces

Stearns pointed out that the market for elite arms is pretty unpredictable right now. There’s heavy demand everywhere, but the actual supply of top-tier pitchers? Not so clear.

“I’m not sure how many true aces are even available,” he said. With so many teams chasing the same thing, the Mets might need to get creative—or just wait it out and see who shakes loose.

Potential Targets on the Radar

Even with all the uncertainty, a few names keep popping up. On the free-agent side, the Mets could look at:

• Dylan Cease – He racks up strikeouts and has front-of-the-rotation upside.
• Framber Valdez – Durable and keeps the ball on the ground, which is always useful.
• Ranger Suárez – A lefty who’s shown he can handle big games.

In the trade market, some intriguing possibilities include:

• Tarik Skubal – Young, left-handed, and starting to look like an ace.
• Sandy Alcantara – Former Cy Young winner, though he’s still working his way back from injury.

Balancing External Moves with Internal Development

Stearns keeps saying the most sustainable path for the Mets is to grow an ace from within. Honestly, that’s probably the dream scenario for any team trying to build long-term.

Last season, Nolan McLean showed flashes of dominance and might be a future ace. Kodai Senga was once seen as a rotation cornerstone, but injuries sent him back to the minors. Their progress, along with other young arms, could shape the Mets’ rotation for years to come.

The Current Rotation Picture

Right now, the Mets’ starting pitching is a mix of veterans and prospects:

• David Peterson – Reliable and adaptable, but not much of a strikeout guy.
• Sean Manaea – Signed for three years and $75 million; he’s expected to anchor things for now.
• Clay Holmes – Has great command but usually shines in a depth role.
• Brandon Sproat – High-upside prospect with electric stuff.
• Christian Scott – Projectable rotation option who’s still developing.
• Jonah Tong – A work-in-progress, but there’s promise there.

Learning from Past Investments

The Mets’ recent pitching signings have been a mixed bag. Manaea’s contract shows they trust his durability.

But the investment in Frankie Montas—two years, $36 million—already looks like a bust since he’ll miss all of next season after Tommy John surgery. For Stearns, these situations highlight just how risky long-term deals with pitchers can be, especially when arm injuries seem to pop up out of nowhere.

Trade Winds and Prospect Capital

Stearns hasn’t ruled out bold moves. If the right ace becomes available, he’s willing to deal from the organization’s deeper farm system.

That could mean saying goodbye to top prospects to land a rotation leader who might finally push the Mets into real contention. It’s a gamble, but maybe it’s time for one.

Optimism for the Future

Even with all the uncertainty, Stearns still believes in the Mets’ pitching depth. He sees real promise in the wave of talent moving up through the minors.

The plan looks pretty straightforward: combine homegrown development with smart market moves. That way, they can dodge the mistakes that tripped them up before.

Honestly, with the offseason still unfolding, it’s tough to say exactly how New York will find—or develop—their ace. But that journey might end up being one of the most interesting stories as spring training approaches.

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