When David Stearns took over baseball operations for the New York Mets, fans expected fireworks. Big names, bold trades, headline-making splashes. What they didn’t expect? Silence. Cold, calculated, surgical moves that didn’t scream “win now” but whispered something more dangerous — “We’re building something.” Every decision, no matter how minor it looked, came with the feeling that Stearns was peeling back layers fans hadn’t even thought to look at.

Then came a surprising move—not a major trade or signing, but one that stirred emotions. The Mets parted ways with Jose Iglesias, a player cherished by teammates and respected league-wide. Fans were puzzled and upset, questioning why the team would let go of such a valued and seemingly affordable player. To the public, it looked like a betrayal of heart and hustle. To insiders, it looked like classic Stearns.

“That’s just a smart decision,” said a rival NL GM. “(David Stearns) He would have locked himself in, he would not have been able to move guys around. He would have lost some random player that no one else is thinking about right now because you made the [Jose] Iglesias decision. And the entire world wants him to make that decision — and he still says no.”

That quote isn’t just about a backup infielder. It’s about a GM who refuses to chase easy wins or pander to public pressure. While Iglesias, a $3 million veteran, offered experience and versatility, Stearns viewed the roster spot as a valuable asset not to be allocated based on sentiment. His focus remains on long-term success, emphasizing flexibility and adaptability over nostalgia.

You might roll your eyes — Really? Flexibility over fan-favorites? — But here’s the thing: David Stearns isn’t building a team for April applause. He’s building for October dominance. And that means making the kind of decisions that sting in the short term but age into brilliance.

Roster spots are currency, and David Stearns is saving up

Every roster spot has value, not just in who fills it, but in what that spot could become. By passing on Jose Iglesias, Stearns didn’t just say no to a steady glove — he said yes to keeping the door open. Open for youth, open for upgrades, and open for impact.

Take someone like Luisangel Acuña, the speedy, high-contact infielder acquired in the Max Scherzer trade. If he forces his way onto the big-league roster, you need room. Same with Jett Williams, who might be knocking by late 2025. If Stearns had committed to Iglesias, that spot could’ve been blocked. Or consider a scenario where the Mets chase a midseason addition like Whit Merrifield, Gio Urshela, or even a trade for a controllable infielder like Ha-Seong Kim or Brendan Donovan — you need roster space and maneuverability to make that work.

David Stearns isn’t hoarding flexibility just to play it safe — he’s preparing to strike when the right fit becomes available. And in today’s MLB, where injuries, breakouts, and trades can reshape a season in a week, that kind of breathing room? It’s not just smart. It’s essential.