Mets GM says running it back ‘wasn’t the right thing to do’

Vowing not to repeat it, New York Mets general manager David Stearns said the trade of outfielder Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers for second baseman Marcus Semien escalated quickly in GM meetings in Las Vegas last weekend, culminating in a swap of high-priced veterans.

“It’s a recognition that what we did last year wasn’t good enough and running it back with the same group wasn’t the right thing to do,” Stearns said in a videoconference with reporters on Monday. “(Semien) balances our lineup on the right side which is something we were looking to do.”

The Mets fell behind in the second half and missed the postseason after making the National League Championship Series in 2024.

Semien, 35, dropped his OPS to .669 after hitting .230 with 15 home runs last year, his fewest home runs in an entire season since 2018. Stearns is confident in his rebounding at the plate, but he also noted Semien’s other attributes.

“This is a player who can contribute to winning baseball in a variety of ways,” he said. “The bat can’t lead at this point in his career. … What we’re counting on is the contributions he can make for us defensively (and) how he can perform on base. We think that’s how he can help us win games.”

The move also opens up space in the Mets’ outfield where veteran Jeff McNeil could see more time as well as a host of prospects in the coming years. McNeil may also play more first base, depending on how the rest of the offseason goes for New York. Longtime first baseman Pete Alonso is currently a free agent – ​​as is closer Edwin Diaz.

“As I’ve said before, we’d love to have Edwin and Pete back,” Stearns said. “They’re both great Mets. I won’t go into detail about any conversations I had (with them) at this point.”

Stearns was pressed on whether he had the financial ability to bring back those players and add more in free agency – particularly in the outfield.

“Certainly, I think anything would be realistic right now,” Stearns replied. “The payroll space is not endless, but I am confident that we will get the support and resources needed to put a very good team on the field.”

Stearns also praised the 32-year-old Nimmo for waiving his no-trade clause to complete the deal. He is signed until 2030 while Semien has three years left on his deal.

Nimmo’s status as a fan favorite in New York influenced the Mets’ thinking – but they ultimately decided to trade.

“It was something we had to think about,” Stearns said. “That’s part of it. It makes decisions like this a little more challenging than they otherwise would be.”