New York Mets' David Stearns Looking to Add in These Areas

The New York Mets are looking to bolster their roster in these areas.

NASHVILLE - The New York Mets have moves to make and holes to fill, and some roster questions could be answered at winter meetings this week.

President of baseball operations David Stearns spoke in his suite at the Gaylord Opryland hotel on Monday and addressed the Mets' plans in the early part of this offseason.

After signing Luis Severino to a one-year, $13 million deal last week, Stearns said the Mets need to add at least one more starting pitcher, if not more.

The Mets are still without an ace in their rotation, which currently features Severino, Kodai Senga, Jose Quintana, Joey Lucchesi and Tylor Megill.

Stearns stressed the importance of having 8-10 starters ready to contribute across a major league season.

The Mets' No. 1 free agent target appears to be 25-year-old superstar Japanese pitcher Yoshinobu Yamamoto. But there are a ton of teams in on Yamamoto, and beyond the star hurler, some names that fit the Mets are Jordan Montgomery, Blake Snell and Eduardo Rodriguez as fall back options. 

Stearns also acknowledged the elephant in the room that the Mets need to acquire several bullpen pieces, as they are barren in this area with Edwin Diaz, Brooks Raley and Drew Smith being the only big-league relievers currently in place. Earlier in the day, manager Carlos Mendoza revealed that Diaz is "fully healthy" after undergoing knee surgery last March.

Beyond the pitching staff, Stearns added that the team is looking to bring in an outfielder. Now, this could vary between a starter, bat-first type slugger or a defensive type outfielder. That said, Stearns intends on adding an outfielder that will see plenty of playing time. The Mets are in need of a left fielder and a fourth outfielder, so it's possible that they add two outfielders. 

Per multiple reports, the Mets have been in contact with center fielder Michael A. Taylor.

Right fielder Starling Marte is also coming off a poor season after recovering from double groin surgery last winter, but Stearns has received positive reports and they are hopeful that he will be able to bounce-back. "He feels strong," Stearns said.

While the Mets aren't in on the Juan Soto trade saga, they could sign a versatile, impact outfielder such as Cody Bellinger, Korean star Jung Hoo Lee, Teoscar Hernandez or Lourdes Gurriel Jr.

Lastly, Stearns would not rule out the Mets adding a designated hitter to play everyday. The Mets saw Daniel Vogelbach, who was non-tendered last month, struggle in this role last season.

Among those names available at the DH spot are J.D. Martinez and Jorge Soler. The Mets appear to be out on the Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes at this point.

As for the third base position, Stearns said the Mets are not looking to add in this area. They are comfortable with the options they have on the roster in Brett Baty, Ronny Mauricio and Mark Vientos. This trio will likely battle it out for the starting job in spring training. Recent acquisition Joey Wendle will be viewed more as a super utility player, who plays all around the infield.