David Stearns offseason of Mets change backfired his first clues on plans to fix it

In assessing the Mets’ brutal 74-win season, president of baseball operations David Stearns on Monday cited changes that went badly. “We and I made a number of decisions that created the potential for almost an uncapped downside scenario,” Stearns said at Citi Field.“We had a lot of change.

I think change in New York is probably different than change in other markets.”  Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets.In addition to overhauling the roster nucleus, Stearns implemented an almost entirely new coaching staff.

The Mets got buried in the first three months of the season, and even a solid post-trade deadline showing couldn’t rescue the team. “My job is to put a winning team on the field every single year,” Stearns said when asked about the pressure he is facing.“That hasn’t changed.” In a 32-minute session with reporters, he offered few specifics but acknowledged the starting rotation will be a point of emphasis.

But with lefty ace Tarik Skubal looming as the top free agent, Stearns declined to say if he might be active in the top end of the pitching market. “I do think it is necessary for us to add to our starting rotation,” Stearns said.“We can do that in a variety of different ways.

You would always love to add to the top of your rotation.Any team would love to do that.

Over the long term, what we need to do is develop pitchers at the top of a rotation, and I think we are proving we can do that, and we’ll continue to do that.” Nolan McLean, after a strong rookie season, is a lock for the rotation, and homegrown options Christian Scott and Zac Thornton appear in strong position for spots.The Mets also have Sean Manaea under contract for another season and Kodai Senga as a starting or relief option.

Tylor Megill will be returning from a season of Tommy John surgery rehab and could factor in either as a starter or reliever, ac...