Arguably the most controversial and unpopular move made by New York Mets president of baseball operations David Stearns last offseason involved not signing slugger and first baseman Pete Alonso to a multiyear contract. 

Alonso inked a five-year, $155M deal to join the Baltimore Orioles in free agency, and he ultimately became the first player in MLB history to lead both the American League and the National League in RBI in separate seasons. While speaking with reporters on Monday, Stearns was asked whether he would do anything differently regarding Alonso if the executive could go back to October 2025. 

Does David Stearns wish he could have a "mulligan" regarding the Pete Alonso decision?

"I think that's a very fair question," Stearns responded, as shared by SNY. "The truth is, in this job, I don't get mulligans. I also recognize Pete had a tremendous year, and the totality of our production at first base wasn't good enough. So now it's my job to ensure that we've got better success across our roster...and better production at first base, as well." 

Stearns' supposed desire to improve the Mets' "run prevention" presumably impacted his decision to let Alonso, a beloved homegrown Met, leave via free agency after the 2025 season. Stearns' attempts to replace Alonso at first base and in the lineup blew up in the executive's face, while the "Polar Bear" slashed .267/.363/.522 with an .884 OPS, 43 home runs and 113 RBI over the first 161 games of his Baltimore tenure. 

How much supposed clubhouse issues played a role in Stearns' dismantling of the roster's core following the 2025 campaign may never fully be known by outsiders. While there was hope that Stearns had assembled a playoff team when the Mets ended April 7 at 7-4, New York finished the season in the basement of the NL East standings with a record of 74-88. 

David Stearns admits to "disappointment" after lost season for Mets comes to merciful end

"The disappointment of our season is very true and real, and I feel that," Stearns added during his comments. "We as an organization feel that. Our fanbase feels that. There's no denying any of that." 

Stearns also acknowledged that he has "missed" with many of his offseason moves since officially taking over as the Mets' president of baseball operations in October 2023. While he is receiving a "mulligan" from Mets owner Steve Cohen, the perception exists that Cohen won't be quite so understanding if the club fails to qualify for the postseason for a third straight year.