Former Milwaukee Brewers executive David Stearns played a crucial role in the team’s rapid rebuild that occurred in 2015 and 2016. His brilliance did not go unnoticed as his success eventually landed him his dream job with the New York Mets. In his second off-season, he has put his stamp in the history books as he signed Juan Soto to the largest contract in sports history.
David Stearns had to make a lot of tough decisions with the Milwaukee Brewers
When David Stearns joined the Brewers, he was tasked with rebuilding the hard way as he had to trade away established veterans in order to acquire talented prospects. Two prospects that he absolutely hit on included Freddy Peralta and Josh Hader, but later on he also acquired Christian Yelich and Willy Adames via trade. Lastly, Stearns managed to draft well too as guys like Corbin Burnes, Brice Turang, Devin Williams, Aaron Ashby, Drew Rasmussen, Garrett Mitchell, and Sal Frelick were selected while he was under helm.
One of the key challenges Stearns faced during his time with Milwaukee was operating under a limited budget. This constraint led him to take one-year chances on free agents like Yasmani Grandal and Mike Moustakas, aiming to maximize value without long-term commitment. It also played a role in his decision to trade Josh Hader mid-season.
With the New York Mets, David Stearns does not have to worry about a budget
During David Stearns’ first season with the Mets, he spent a considerable amount of money on starting pitchers Sean Manaea and Luis Severino. Both of those players did well on one year deals, but in year two Stearns has been handing out longer duration contracts as Frankie Montas signed a two year, $34 million contract and Clay Holmes three years, $38 million.
On top of adding two pitchers this off-season, the Mets have also won the bidding war for Juan Soto as he agreed to a 15 year, $765 million deal. With New York, David Stearns managed to outbid the New York Yankees who offered 16 years, $760 million. Needless to say, Stearns does not need to worry about a budget anymore like he previously had to in Milwaukee.
Juan Soto – New York Mets contract details
15 years, $765 million is the largest contract handed out in sports history. Juan Soto’s deal includes no deferrals, escalators that can bring the deal above $800 million, a $75 million signing bonus, and one opportunity to opt-out after the 2029 season.
Follow me on X @tylerkoerth. Follow us @WiSportsHeroics for more great up to date sports content. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in Wisconsin sports, click here!. We cover the Milwaukee Brewers, Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers, numerous other professional sports, and Wisconsin High School Sports. Additionally we provide the latest news coverage on the NFL, MLB, and NBA in which you can follow Gridiron Heroics, Hardwood Heroics, and Homeplate Heroics.
