The New York Mets lost closer Edwin Diaz and first baseman Pete Alonso within 24 hours last week, as president of baseball operations David Stearns continues a major roster overhaul following the team's 2025 collapse.

Diaz signed a three-year, $69 million deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers after the Mets refused to meet his demands for at least $20 million annually after deferrals. The Mets' final offer included a $9 million signing bonus but spread $21 million in deferred money over 15 years.

Alonso agreed to a five-year, $155 million contract with the Baltimore Orioles. The Mets did not make a formal offer to their franchise home run leader, sources told ESPN, as the deal exceeded their valuation of the 31-year-old slugger. This was despite showing legitimate interest in similar aged slugger Kyle Schwarber before he re-signed with the Philadelphia Phillies. 

The departures mark a dramatic shift for a franchise that carried a $340 million payroll in 2025. Stearns also traded Brandon Nimmo to the Texas Rangers and lost out on reliever Tyler Rogers to the Toronto Blue Jays.

"We have a lot of resources. No team has unending resources," Stearns said at the winter meetings. "We've got all the resources we need, all of the payroll space. We need to put a really good team on the field. That doesn't mean it's infinite, nor should it be."

The Mets responded by signing infielder Jorge Polanco to a two-year, $40 million contract. They remain active in pursuing starting pitching through trades, with David Peterson and Kodai Senga available in potential swaps.

Stearns is targeting pitchers on shorter-term deals. Freddy Peralta of the Milwaukee Brewers and Nick Pivetta of the San Diego Padres are available via trade, sources told ESPN. Tarik Skubal of the Detroit Tigers would require a massive prospect haul.

The Mets plan to pair any additions with promising rookie Nolan McLean. Their projected payroll already approaches $300 million despite the recent departures.