Latest NY Mets free agent signing is a reunion with the team and David Stearns

The New York Mets' offseason has been a whirlwind, marked by bold moves and a clear intent to contend. While the signings of Juan Soto, Pete Alonso's extension, Clay Holmes's starting pitcher experiment, and Griffin Canning's surprising performance in spring training have dominated headlines, the foundation of a truly competitive team lies in shrewd depth management.

Teams that thrive, that endure the long grind of a baseball season, are those that master the art of finding and maximizing under-the-radar talent. It's about more than just star power, it's about building a robust roster capable of weathering injuries and unexpected slumps.

Depth signing holds intriguing parallels to past trade

In that vein, the Mets' are signing outfielder Billy McKinney to a minor league contract, according to sources, carries a quiet significance. The former first-round pick, once a top 100 prospect, is returning to the organization, this time slated for Triple-A duty.

While his MLB career has been characterized by a below-average offensive output of .209/.284/.386/.669 line with 38 home runs and 88 RBIs in 943 plate appearances, McKinney's minor league track record tells a different story. Over the past three seasons, he's posted a solid .288/.398/.500 line, suggesting untapped potential.

However, the most intriguing aspect of McKinney's return isn't his potential resurgence, but the cyclical nature of his Mets career, and its intersection with David Stearns's trajectory. McKinney's initial arrival in Queens occurred in May 2021, a trade from the Milwaukee Brewers, orchestrated by then-Brewers President of Baseball Operations David Stearns, and Mets' General Manager Zack Scott. Now, with Stearns at the helm of Mets' baseball operations, McKinney finds himself back in the fold.

This reunion represents more than just a depth signing; it's a curious echo of past decisions, a full-circle moment for both the player and the executive. Stearns, now tasked with shaping the Mets' future, finds himself once again crossing paths with a player he acquired in a previous role. Whether this second stint yields different results remains to be seen, but it's a reminder that in baseball, as in life, history often repeats itself, offering new opportunities for redemption and growth.