3 winners who weren't in a Mets uniform during Game 3 who had reason to celebrate

There were a lot of winners in Game 3. Not all of them wore a New York Mets uniform. In the 7-2 victory over the Philadelphia Phillies, these three people had a reason to feel like they won, too.

1) David Stearns

Where the Mets go, David Stearns follows. His free agent signing of Sean Manaea was easy to question in the offseason. A big-time start from Manaea gave Stearns some GM muscles after this one. Add in the defense by offseason trade addition Tyrone Taylor and early home run by trade deadline pickup Jesse Winker, we find two roster additions Stearns directly had a hand in making that helped the Mets get off to an early lead and keep it for good.

2) Billy Eppler

Billy Eppler’s fingerprints remain on this Mets team. How about Starling Marte coming through with his clutch two-run single? An offseason decision prior to 2022, Marte remains one of the last of the outside additions Eppler added to the Mets still with the team. You can give Eppler a little more credit in some roundabout ways. He did re-sign Brandon Nimmo (who scored twice) and never did trade Pete Alonso despite trade rumors dating back as far as the summer of 2023 when everyone not nailed down was for sale. Eppler didn’t have as great of a night as Stearns. He might never stop patting himself on the back if Jose Quintana helps close out the NLDS in Game 4.

3) Scott Boras

Scott Boras bought a new boat after that game. Manaea’s next contract is going to go up exponentially with each success. Alonso’s continued power display has at least raised enough eyebrows to suggest he’d be worth a closer look. His home run didn’t come in a late and clutch spot. A playoff home run is still big. How much it actually changes his free agent contract will depend on how this playoff run finishes. Nevertheless, Boras has to be thrilled to see two of the upcoming free agents he represents shine in Game 3. After last offseason, he might be behind on his sewer bill.

It goes without saying, Steve Cohen was a winner, too. But can we be so sure he doesn't have a uniform on under his fleece pullover? The guy loves this team so much he probably sleeps on Mets bedsheets; the expensive kind.