Latest NY Mets rumors show David Stearns is willing to divert from his top goal

If you don’t allow the other team to score, you’re going to win a lot of games. “Run prevention” has become the two word phrase associated with the goal for the New York Mets this offseason. Prioritizing defense and pitching is what David Stearns believes can get the Mets back on track.

According to the latest Mets rumors courtesy of ESPN's Jeff Passan, Stearns is wise enough to realize it’ll take more than playing Gold Glove defense. The team is one of the clubs still interested in free agent Kyle Schwarber, showing an openness to balancing the team with power in addition to limiting the number of runs they’ll allow.

No one is more anti-run prevention than Schwarber. The king of available DHs out there on the market, this suggests the Mets will remain present in the market for other defensively-challenged players, including a Pete Alonso reunion.

The Mets seem ready to sign Kyle Schwarber or Pete Alonso despite a preference for run prevention

If Alonso does come back, he’s probably going to get a lot more games as the club’s DH. Figuring out who plays first base on days when he doesn’t will be the challenge. Are they really any better with a player like Mark Vientos there?

While the Mets contemplate the idea of Schwarber, Alonso has been “waiting for a team to step to the forefront.” It’s December 1 with the Winter Meetings a week away. No one expected him to sign this quickly. It sounds like he’s ready to wait a while.

This may not be an Alonso thing but more so a strategy of Scott Boras. Alex Bregman, the other corner infielder with a lot to offer, is in the same boat. He had a similar offseason and regular season result as Alonso. Both settled for short-term deals with an opt out after one season. Each paved their way toward a more lucrative contract this offseason with how well they played.

The Mets’ consideration of Schwarber could, theoretically, have them in the market for others as well. A player like Eugenio Suarez has questionable defensive abilities, but one of the strongest power bats in the game. Pivoting to him and having him play first base and DH option wouldn’t cost as much and could allow the Mets to go bigger in the outfield and other places, too.

Last week’s Brandon Nimmo trade was the first step toward confirming run prevention was indeed a priority. Now, Mets rumors have gone back to bettering the lineup.