Mets fans relieved after clubhouse clear out ft. Rafael Ortega - "Pretty sure I won’t miss any of these guys"
The New York Mets have started clearing house to prepare for the 2024 season. David Stearns, the new president of baseball operations, has a vision for the club, and it does not include some contributors from the 2023 season.
Jonathan Arauz, Rafael Ortega, Michael Perez, Vinny Nittoli and Danny Mendick have been outrighted and elected free agency. Left-handed pitcher Anthony Kay was claimed off waivers by the Oakland Athletics.
Ortega played in 46 games during the second half of the season. He had bits of inconsistency at the plate, hitting .219 with one home run. The same could be said for Danny Mendick, who played 33 games, hitting .185.
For Arauz, wherever he lands, it will be his fourth team since 2020. None of these players were key, and Stearns is not wasting his or their time by giving them plenty of time to find new homes.
"Yeah I'm pretty sure I won't miss any of these players," one fan posted.
"Already looking like a 100 win team, LOL. I won't miss any of them," another fan posted.
Mets fans are happy to see the team is urgent about improving on their lackluster 2023 season. They will be expecting a much better season this next year.
Fans are ready for the team to improve. This season was one they would like to forget quickly.
The Mets did not make this easy on David Stearns
The 2023 season did not go to plan for the Mets. They were sellers at the deadline, getting rid of both of their aces, Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander. This led to them finishing 29 games behind the Atlanta Braves in the division.
After the season, the bad times did not end. The organization parted ways with manager Buck Showalter, and general manager Billy Eppler stepped down. The two had issues over designated hitter Daniel Vogelbach's playing time. Eppler was also involved in an investigation by the league for misuse of the injured list.
Now, Stearns has his work cut out for him. He is tasked with finding a new manager and general manager. However, he has a ton of experience coming over from the Milwaukee Brewers.
All eyes will be on this organization next season. The fans are growing impatient and want to see their team be competitive and fight for a World Series title.