NY Mets Monday Morning GM: 3 David Stearns realities some fans won’t admit

2) David Stearns' best moves won't happen until he first learns from his mistakes

This is where Stearns thrived. If you’re one of those people who don’t buy into Stearns and think he’s going to run this team more like a small market ball club, this one's for you.

What’s true is Stearns will not operate the same as Billy Eppler who seemed to add at will in free agency. Stearns is trying a more clever approach. Whether advised by Steve Cohen to keep things under a certain budget or some sort of a personal goal of his, the real magic of what makes Stearns effective comes from the Plan-B options.

The midseason acquisition of Luis Torrens was one that came out of nowhere and saved the catcher position from any more Omar Narvaez torment. Cleverly adding Phil Maton early well before the trade deadline turned out to be a much-needed bullpen addition.

The ruthlessness in the way he operated is what made the Mets effective. Some players stuck around too long, but not to the level at which most teams will continue to play someone. They replaced DJ Stewart with the much better veteran bat of Jesse Winker. Ryne Stanek was an important addition even if his best days wouldn’t arrive until the postseason.

Like his offseason moves, Stearns did have some apparent misses in the middle of the year. That’s the reality for all executives, players, and people. You’re never going to bat 1.000.