David Stearns must remember vital Mets truth at MLB trade deadline

Everyone should dare to dream. That includes Mets fans even after this 18-inning weekend spanking by the Braves reminded everyone to pump the brakes a little bit before calling this team a juggernaut.

It was 9-2 for Atlanta on Sunday following the Braves’ 4-0 victory in Queens on Saturday that left the Mets with stalled momentum in their challenge for a wild-card spot after having extended their latest winning streak to five by taking the first two of the series.

The results of the last two games that left the club in a tie for the NL’s final wild-card spot, pending the Arizona-Pittsburgh result, also served as a reminder that team president David Stearns and the hierarchy have an obligation to be nimble approaching Tuesday’s 6 p.m. trade deadline.

If that means strategically reverting to the apparent offseason plan by moving players on walk-year contracts in exchange for younger players who could be difference-makers on the Mets’ next World Series team, that is something to which the front office must remain open even if a deal such as that could compromise the playoff race.

The rotation needs reinforcements in the wake of the regular season-ending calf injury sustained by Kodei Senga in his first start on Friday and the arm issues plaguing Christian Scott . The last thing the rotation needs is a deal in which either Luis Severino or Sean Manaea is sent away for future help, even if that was kind of the plan when the Mets signed them.

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But if the Mets are overwhelmed by an offer for either starting pitcher — Severino is on a one-year deal while Manaea’s two-year contract has a player opt-out after this season — then Stearns has the obligation to make that move.

It is true, of course. You have to be in it to win it. Even at 55-50 that translates to 87-75 over a full season, a game better than Arizona’s 2023 final wild-card record before the D’Backs went to the World Series, the Mets have a great shot to be in it while battling the Braves, Arizona, San Diego, St. Louis and Pittsburgh for a playoff berth.

But the objective is not making the playoffs. The objective is winning the franchise’s third world championship and first since 1986. That is the priority as Stearns and owner Steven Cohen approach the deadline.

The front office has already pulled three moves over the last three weeks in acquiring relief pitchers Phil Maton and Ryne Stanek and outfielder/DH Jesse Winker . The organization is obviously up to adding. It is providing the support it can.

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And that pleased Pete Alonso, whose two-run homer in the eighth inning represented the Metsies’ only production of the weekend.

“It’s really awesome to have a couple of new faces,” said the first baseman, who popped his 21st homer of the season to dead center after the Braves had launched four into the Queens sky. “I think we made some great additions.

“Who knows what will happen next but hopefully we can continue to add and continue to play good baseball. It’s exciting. Overall, I think adding and winning is going to be a great combination coming down the stretch here.”

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Before stubbing their collective toes this weekend, the Mets had gotten up off the mattress after skidding to 24-35 by June 2 and had gone 31-13 into Saturday. This stretch was reminiscent of 2015, when the Mets were 52-50 on July 30 before going on a 31-11 tear that energized an unexpected run to the World Series.

It was reminiscent of 1973, when the Mets charged 24-9 down the stretch on their way to the improbable 1973 World Series appearance. Maybe it was somewhat reminiscent of 1969, when the Mets finished 38-11 on their way to making a Miracle.

What’s that you say? It would be a miracle for this team to go to the Series, much less win it? Yes, you are almost certainly correct. The rotation features Severino, Manaea, Tylor Megill, Jose Quintana and David Peterson, who was brilliant in four of his five innings on Sunday but unraveled in the fourth while allowing four runs, three hits, three walks and two wild pitches.

The lefty threw a combined 48 pitches in the first, second, third and fifth innings. He needed 40 to get through the fourth. This is a pitcher on whom the Mets rely to get them to the postseason. Unless they are able to add another starter by Tuesday.

There is all sorts of promise within the organization. But ownership hardly promised lollipops and rainbows this autumn. On the contrary. Still, the Mets have put themselves in position to make a legit run at the playoffs. Help from the front office would be appreciated.

But not if moves for today would imperil the path to the World Series. This is not the time to become myopic. The hierarchy must keep its eye on the ultimate prize.

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