Inside the High-Stakes World of Signing Superstars and Building a Winning Legacy

What goes on behind the scenes in the high-pressure world of a Major League Baseball President of Baseball Operations? If you're a hardcore baseball fan—or even better, a diehard New York Mets loyalist—you've probably often wondered about the enigmatic mechanics that drive the creation of a championship-caliber team. From blockbuster signings to finding hidden talent in the farm system, the journey is paved with strategy, uncertainty, and more drama than any Netflix series.

A Peek into the Process: Chasing a Superstar

One of the most headline-grabbing moments in the recent history of baseball was the Mets’ aggressive pursuit of elite free agent Juan Soto. Few players with Soto’s caliber—who not only dominate on the field but are also young enough to provide impact for years—become available. But how does such a signing even happen?

“Juan Soto was such an interesting and unique case,” says Stearns. “The whole industry essentially knew he would hit free agency after he turned down a major contract extension offer with the Nationals back in 2021.” Knowing the inevitability of his free agency allowed teams like the Mets to start planning well in advance. But the planning stage isn’t just about the money. It’s about understanding everything from the player’s personality to their off-field impact.

“We make sure that we know who this player is both on and off the field. We’ll set internal valuations and anticipate what might appeal to the player—because it’s not always just about dollars and years. Recruitment plays a big role in this process.” Money, of course, is still the primary driver but engaging the player on the culture and vision of your organization often seals the deal.

The 11th-Hour Drama: Closing the Deal

Negotiating with a baseball superstar is not for the faint of heart. David Stearns explained that in the final hours leading up to a deal, it’s a whirlwind of back-and-forth communication with the player’s agent, in this case, the ever-shrewd Scott Boras. “It’s a weeks-long process with several twists and turns. The agent’s job is to push each club to their maximum offer. At some point, you have to decide where your hard stop is, and ultimately, it’s the player who decides what’s the best fit.”

This nerve-wracking dynamic makes those final hours tense and uncertain. Despite weeks of preparation, the Mets didn’t know Soto’s decision until almost 30 minutes before the bidding closed. With multiple big-market teams in play, the stakes were sky-high.

Walking the Tightrope: When Fandom Meets Leadership

One of the more unique aspects of Stearns is that he didn’t just grow up dreaming of running a baseball franchise—he specifically dreamed of running this one. A New York native and lifelong Mets fan, he spent countless hours at Shea Stadium as a kid. Yet, while the emotional pull of his childhood team tugs at him constantly, his role as the franchise’s steward requires a more measured and pragmatic approach.

“Fans, by their nature, get to be emotional. But I don’t have that luxury. I have to balance what the younger version of myself—the 16-year-old Mets superfan—would want with what the organization needs long-term. If I let the fan side take over, I wouldn’t be doing my job. Ultimately, the fans wouldn’t be happy if my emotional decisions didn’t lead to wins on the field.”

Building for the Present and Future

While mega-signings like Soto grab headlines, the true hallmark of sustainable success in baseball lies in developing talent from within. The Mets have made major strides in their farm system, producing players like Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio, and Mark Vientos, who are poised to play significant roles moving forward. “We’re reaching a very exciting stage where our prospects at Double-A and Triple-A can impact our major league club,” said Stearns.

With players such as pitcher Brandon Sproat—one of the most highly regarded young arms in the game—the pipeline ensures that the club doesn't rely solely on marquee free agent signings. “It’s about maintaining a constant influx of talent that continuously pushes the roster to evolve and improve, ensuring not just a single great season, but consistent excellence year after year.”

The Day-to-Day: Far from Fantasy Baseball

The day-to-day operations of a baseball executive are as multifaceted as you’d expect. “There’s very little standardization in my day,” he shared. Regular communication with Mets owner Steve Cohen is a major component of his routine, with topics ranging from strategic outlooks to granular player discussions. “Steve asks great questions, and his perspective—rooted in his successful career in finance—adds another layer to our decision-making processes.”

Beyond roster construction, there’s also the ongoing challenge of adapting to larger industry trends, such as the reimagining of regional sports networks and how that will affect team revenues. While it’s a complicated issue, the PBO sees it as an exciting opportunity: “Sports need to evolve in how we deliver our product to fans. We’re in an era of growing engagement, and that’s something I think can only benefit baseball in the long run.”

The Bottom Line

Managing a Major League Baseball team isn’t just about crunching numbers or finding hidden stars. It’s about creating an ethos that draws players to your franchise, fosters development from within, and builds toward an ultimate goal: bringing championships to your city. As Stearns aptly put it, “It’s about consistently making the right decisions across every level of the organization. If we do that, the championships will come.”

For a Mets fan-turned-PBO, the stakes couldn’t have been higher. But as the chapter of this season unfolds, both the executive and the loyal fan base stand united in their shared dream of bringing the World Series trophy back to Queens.