6 things the NY Mets need to do this offseason if run prevention is the focus

Run prevention is the two-word phrase David Stearns pulled out from his sleeve after the 2025 season ended that’ll live on throughout this offseason. Vague but understandable, it’s his goal to improve the New York Mets in this department in the offseason. A combination of better pitching and improved defense can seemingly accomplish this.

If run prevention truly is the most important thing for Stearns, these six things need to happen.

1) Trade for an ace, any ace, and include Mark Vientos in the package

It’s about time the Mets traded for an ace. And when they do, make Mark Vientos a part of the deal.

After his 2024 season, Vientos probably could have helped headline a trade for a frontline starter. At minimum, he could’ve helped the Mets better acquire a number two or the league’s best number three out there. His struggles this past season at the plate and with the glove have hurt his trade value. Now out of options, a little older, and with one brief albeit fantastic run in the latter part of 2024 as the shiniest part of his resume, he’d need to be paired up with a group of prospects or maybe even some big leaguers as well.

Using Vientos in a trade for a legitimate ace solves two problems. One is the absence of that killer on the mound. The other is what to do with Vientos whose defensive shortcomings make him a DH and nothing but.

2) Sign Cody Bellinger to be a defensive stalwart at multiple positions

Is Cody Bellinger overrated as a defender? It probably depends who you ask. Without a doubt he’d be a better player in both corner outfield positions. He wouldn’t completely take away playing time from Brandon Nimmo or Juan Soto. In fact, he probably wouldn’t see as much time in the corner outfield spots as he would the two other dreamy positions Mets fans would like him at: center field and first base.

Two holes in the lineup at the moment that’ll be solved in some fashion this offseason, Bellinger’s versatility makes him a unique option for the Mets. He’d be the biggest free agent position player they’d sign, likely signaling an end to Pete Alonso’s reign in Queens.

Run prevention is something Bellinger can bring to the Mets even if it’s primarily robbing doubles late in games.