From Hot Dog Races to the Hottest Team in Baseball: The Rise of Mets' David Stearns

David Stearns' story is one that reads like a script meant for Hollywood—a lifelong Mets fan rises through the ranks of baseball, starting from humble beginnings to eventually take over as the General Manager of his childhood team. This remarkable journey was shared in his appearance on the Pablo Torre Finds Out podcast. Stearns' rise from minor league intern to the architect of a World Series contender reflects his deep-rooted passion for the game and his unwavering commitment to success. What makes his story even more captivating is his unexpected calmness amid the high-pressure environment of Major League Baseball.

The Harvard Years and a Glimpse of the Future

David Stearns didn’t burst onto the MLB executive scene overnight. Back when he was a freshman at Harvard, the world of social media and smartphones had yet to take off. While at Harvard, Stearns was a writer for The Crimson, where he made headlines not for scouting baseball players, but for his critical take on the men's hockey team. This early experience in dealing with scrutiny foreshadowed the intense media attention he would later face in charge of the New York Mets. However, while Stearns’ college career involved analyzing games from a distance, his post-graduate ambitions were focused squarely on making an impact in the front office.

Power-Washing Bathrooms and Wearing a Hot Dog Costume

Unlike the typical image of an MLB executive, Stearns' first baseball job was far from glamorous. His career started in the minor leagues with the Brooklyn Cyclones, where he took on a variety of tasks, from cleaning bathrooms to donning a hot dog costume for race-day entertainment. His willingness to do whatever it took to break into the industry paid off. Stearns worked his way through a series of internships and eventually landed a role with the Mets’ front office before moving on to the Cleveland Indians then eventually to the Houston Astros and Milwaukee Brewers. By 2015, his reputation as a savvy, data-driven executive led him to become one of the youngest general managers in MLB history when the Brewers came calling.

The Genius Behind His Baseball Mind

Stearns’ time with the Milwaukee Brewers allowed him to hone his craft. Operating without the financial resources of major-market teams like the Yankees or Dodgers, Stearns became adept at roster construction through shrewd trades, small-market investments, and an emphasis on analytics. His most famous move came in 2018, when he traded four top prospects for Christian Yelich, a move that proved to be a masterstroke. Yelich won the NL MVP that year, and the Brewers entered a period of unprecedented success, in no small part thanks to Stearns’ eye for talent.

His success in Milwaukee caught the attention of Steve Cohen, the billionaire owner of the Mets, who was on the hunt for a leader capable of transforming the "other" New York baseball team. In 2023, Stearns took on the monumental task of rebuilding the Mets, a team that had been underperforming for years.

Building a Mets Team Worthy of the Spotlight

Stearns didn’t just take over the Mets; he revolutionized them. While the Yankees have traditionally dominated New York’s baseball scene, Stearns had bigger plans. He orchestrated a series of strategic moves, reshaping the Mets' roster into a genuine contender. One of his most impactful decisions was luring superstar Juan Soto away from the Yankees, signing him to a record-breaking $765 million deal. The move sent shockwaves throughout the baseball world, signaling that the Mets weren’t just looking to compete—they were looking to dominate.

The Power of Grimace?

If the Mets' 2024 season wasn't already turning heads, the arrival of Grimace, the purple McDonald's mascot, took things to new heights. On June 12, Grimace threw out the first pitch, marking the start of the Mets’ greatest hot streak in decades. Before Grimace's appearance, the team was languishing with a mediocre 28-37 record. Afterward, they surged to a 61-36 record, the best in all of baseball. Fans quickly began attributing the Mets’ newfound success to what they dubbed "Grimace Magic." Stearns, however, remained unfazed by the mascot's viral fame, continuing to quietly build a championship-caliber roster.

What’s Next for Stearns and the Mets?

In 2024, the Mets became must-watch TV. Their season was filled with dramatic comebacks, walk-off victories, and a rejuvenated atmosphere at Citi Field. Fans who had long felt like second-class citizens to the Yankees were finally able to envision an era where the Mets could compete at the highest level.

Now the question is, how far can Stearns take this team? The pressure in New York is unrelenting, but if anyone can handle it, it’s the man who kept his composure while cleaning minor-league bathrooms, executing blockbuster trades, and celebrating in a champagne-soaked clubhouse with his hands casually tucked in his pockets.

Whether it’s through sheer skill, a bit of fate, or some magic from Grimace, one thing is certain: David Stearns has transformed the Mets into the team to watch.