Steve Cohen, the new owner of the New York Mets, made headlines recently by securing the big-ticket item in the form of Francisco Lindor and Carlos Carrasco from the Cleveland Indians. This blockbuster trade sent shockwaves through the baseball world and signaled Cohen’s intent to make a splash in his first offseason as owner. However, now that Cohen has made his move, it is time for General Manager David Stearns to take a more prudent approach to building the team.
Stearns, who has been with the Milwaukee Brewers since 2015, has gained a reputation for his shrewd decision-making and ability to build a competitive team on a budget. With limited financial resources compared to the Mets, Stearns has had to be creative in assembling a roster that can compete with the big spenders in the National League.
While Cohen’s willingness to spend big on players like Lindor and Carrasco may bring excitement to Mets fans, it is Stearns’s ability to find hidden gems and value deals that has kept the Brewers competitive in recent years. One only needs to look at the success of players like Christian Yelich, who was acquired for a relatively low price from the Miami Marlins and went on to win the National League MVP in 2018.
Stearns has also shown a knack for identifying and developing young talent, with players like Brandon Woodruff and Corbin Burnes emerging as key contributors for the Brewers in recent seasons. This focus on player development and scouting has allowed the Brewers to remain competitive despite operating with a smaller payroll than many of their rivals.
In contrast, the Mets have often been criticized for their big-spending ways without much to show for it on the field. While Cohen’s infusion of cash may bring in big-name players, there is no guarantee that it will translate into success on the field. Stearns’s more measured approach, on the other hand, has resulted in a team that consistently competes for a playoff spot without breaking the bank.
With the Brewers coming off a disappointing season in which they missed the playoffs, Stearns will need to work his magic once again to put together a competitive roster for the upcoming season. This may involve making some tough decisions, such as letting go of fan favorites or trading away valuable assets to shore up areas of need.
Stearns’s track record suggests that he is more than up to the task. His ability to navigate the complexities of the MLB offseason and find value where others may not has earned him praise from fans and analysts alike. While Cohen’s big splash may have grabbed the headlines, it is Stearns’s steady hand that will ultimately determine the success of the Brewers in the long run.
In conclusion, while Steve Cohen’s willingness to spend big may bring excitement to Mets fans, it is David Stearns’s prudent approach that has kept the Brewers competitive in the tough National League. Stearns’s ability to find value in the margins and develop young talent has been key to the Brewers’ success in recent years. As the Brewers look to bounce back from a disappointing season, Stearns will once again be tasked with putting together a competitive roster on a limited budget. And with his track record of success, there is no doubt that he is up to the challenge.