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Five things we want to see from the Celtics before 2025 ends

Five things we want to see from the Celtics before 2025 ends originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

About the only thing that can slow down the Boston Celtics lately is the NBA schedule.

Boston had won five straight and 10 of its last 12 while screaming into the NBA Cup slowdown, a stretch that includes just two games in 11 nights. The Celtics stumbled in a visit to Milwaukee on Thursday, the only game they will play in a seven-day stretch. Things (finally) start to crank back up Monday with a visit from the East-leading Pistons, even if three more (agonizing) days off will follow.

Here are five things we’d like to see from the Celtics when things eventually kick back into high gear: 

1. Hauser finds his groove

The lasting image from Thursday’s loss in Milwaukee will be Wisconsin native Sam Hauser missing two quality looks from beyond the arc, then smoking an even more wide open layup off a solid cut to the basket on the very same possession. 

Hauser, now in the first year of a four-year, $45 million extension, is shooting career lows at 34.2 percent beyond the 3-point arc and 34.5 percent overall. He’s generating 101.2 points per 100 shot attempts, which is a staggering 27 points per 100 worse than his average over the last three seasons, per Cleaning the Glass data. 

After opening the 2025-26 season as a starter, Hauser is averaging just 22.3 minutes per game in a reserve role. The Celtics are 6.8 points per 100 possessions worse with Hauser on the court versus off, the worst on/off difference on the team among regulars this season. 

The good new is that it doesn’t feel possible that these shooting woes can persist. Hauser seems as exasperated as anyone when his shot isn’t falling. Defensively, he’s quietly held up well, holding opponents to 4.6 percent below expected output over the last 13 games. Hauser is defending well without fouling, ranking in the 93rd percentile in the NBA in fouls per shot attempt contested (7.3 percent). 

Hauser’s shooting woes were slightly masked when Derrick White and Payton Pritchard struggled to find their shots out of the gate. As those two start to settle in a bit, it’s time for Hauser to do the same.

2. Give us more Hugo

Celtics rookie Hugo Gonzalez has played in six straight games and nine of Boston’s last 10. Boston is outscoring opponents by a team-best 16.3 points per 100 possessions during that stretch (the next closest is White, at +11.3). 

Gonzalez singlehandedly flipped the energy against the Knicks as Boston rallied out of an early hole to start the month with a win. He’s made 12 of 14 shots over his last four outings. Playing time is earned not given under Joe Mazzulla, but it feels like Gonzalez is making good things happen whenever he gets his opportunity. 

Gonzalez is generating steals on 3.3 percent of team plays, which ranks in the 99th percentile among wings, per Cleaning the Glass data. Only Oklahoma City’s Cason Wallace generates more at that position (3.6 percent). That steal rate ranks Gonzalez fourth in the entire NBA behind only Alex Caruso (4.1), Wallace, and Miami’s Dru Smith (3.5). 

3. Wanted: One more reliable big

The Celtics have now played 217 total minutes without a pure center on the court. Boston owns a +8.7 net rating in that span while putting up a video game-like offensive rating of 133.6. That’s 12.2 points per 100 possessions higher than Boston’s No. 3 ranked offensive rating for the season. 

The question is whether that’s sustainable, and whether Boston is OK just trying to outgun opponents whenever Neemias Queta isn’t on the floor. The Celtics have leaned into the luxury of having Josh Minott and Jordan Walsh play center-like roles with their length and athleticism. But a 124.8 defensive rating in those minutes is less than ideal. 

Maybe the solution for Boston is as simple as letting president of basketball operations Brad Stevens tinker with the roster when trade season formally launches on December 15 (the day most players signed this offseason can officially be moved). 

We suspect Boston’s other veteran big men — Chris Boucher, Luka Garza, and Xavier Tillman — will get their occasional chances, and they must be ready to maximize them. Rookie two-way center Amari Williams could get time once he’s healed from a hand fracture. 

The bottom line is that, with Queta averaging 24 minutes per game, there’s another 24 minutes for this team to fill at the center spot. Going small has produced Boston’s best non-Queta basketball, but it gets clunky when the Celtics are struggling with their own offensive efficiency.

4. Getting defensive

The Celtics rank 18th in the NBA in defensive rating while allowing 115 points per 100 possessions. That number has actually slid backwards a bit to 116.6 over the last 13 games, masked by Boston’s offensive output in that stretch. 

Boston lingering in the back half of the league actually feels like a bit of a surprise. The Celtics rank seventh in opponent effective field goal percentage (53.1) and eighth in opponent turnover rate (15.4 percent). They’ve actually defended the rim well despite their lack of size.

In fact, Boston has been hurt most by a rise in opponent 3-point success. Celtics opponents shot 35.4 percent last season (fourth-best in the NBA) and are up to 37.5 percent this year (24th overall). 

The Celtics have one of the best half-court defenses in the league, limiting opponents to a defensive rating of 96.5 points on first-shot defense, per Cleaning the Glass data. They’ve simply been hindered by an inability to secure rebounds and limit second-chance opportunities. 

Finishing off possessions and cooling opponents on the perimeter could go a long way toward Boston surging into the top half of the league in defensive rating. 

5. Taking care of business

The Celtics have a league-best nine wins against teams over .500. They are just 6-3 against teams under that mark.

On one hand, it’s encouraging that the Celtics play their best basketball against top competition. Over the course of two weeks, they handed losses to the Pistons, Knicks, Magic, Cavaliers, and Raptors — five of the top seven teams in the East standings. But losses to the Bucks, Jazz, and Nets have left the Celtics in a crowded pack behind Detroit and New York in the East. 

Good teams don’t play with their food. They handle business against inferior opponents. The margins are simply too thin for the Celtics to downshift at all this season. They need to stay locked in regardless of who’s on the other side.

The Celtics play seven straight games against sub.-500 opponents from December 22 to January 5. They can either maintain their run up the East standings, or diminish how good they’ve been against the conference’s best.

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Why An Insider’s Observation About Connor McDavid Is Raising Eyebrows

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman mentioned during Saturday's broadcast of the Edmonton Oilers versus the Toronto Maple Leafs that there is a noticeable change in Connor McDavid. No, it's not the 15 points he's put up in five games -- although that's a big deal. Instead, it's McDavid's smile -- something the Oilers haven't seen a whole lot this season. 

Friedman noticed that at least twice during the game against the Maple Leafs, he could see the often stoic and serious McDavid visibly relax, smile, and sometimes laugh.  Overall, he looked happy on the bench. That's a recent change, something that has come with the Oilers playing better hockey, having a better record... and perhaps, finally making a decision on their goaltending. 

Related Story:

Jarry Successful in Oilers Debut, Gets Front Row Seat To The McDavid Show

This is not to suggest that McDavid wanted Skinner out of Edmonton. McDavid was the first to say that the former starter will be missed after being traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins. However, Friedman also noted that there was speculated tension in the room as the entire organization knew that the goaltending needed a makeover. 

Friedman seemed to be hinting that the uncertainty with Skinner weighed on everybody. 

The analyst argued that, as the season got going, if Skinner had a rough game tensions tended to resurface.  While I can say I noticed those tensions first hand after a tough loss, I can't say I ever felt the fingers being pointed solely at Skinner.

What I can say is that the locker room vibes were often tense. Skinner faced the music on many nights, but the Oilers' early struggles brought with them high stress levels. They were staying in the fight and never slipping too far out of contention. Still, from the very first game of the season, when Skinner flubbed a handle against the Calgary Flames, which led to a tying goal and eventual overtime loss, the writing was probably on the wall. 

Friedman reported on Saturday that pressure was weighing heavily on Skinner himself. A consummate professional, when the trade finally happened, it sounds like all parties were ready for it. Reports have since surfaced that Skinner wasn't opposed to a fresh start, while the Oilers were aware he wasn't going to be their starter for this season's playoffs -- no matter what. 

Stuart Skinner has far more Stanley Cup Playoff experience than Tristan Jarry -- which some are arguing is a reason to call the Oilers losers on this trade. One thing to remember, that experience brought with it two failed attempts to win the NHL's ultimate prize. The Oilers weren't going to gamble with a third attempt at it and the same guy between the pipes. 

  © Nick Turchiaro Imagn Images  

When it comes to Jarry, having less Stanley Cup Playoff experience in the eyes of the Oilers. If for no other reason, no one knows what Jarry can and will do. Would it be nice if he was a proven playoff netminder? Sure. But what he isn't is a goalie who got the very end twice and couldn't cross the finish line.

Skinner, unfortunately, carried that with him into this season. He knew it, the Oilers knew it, and the players in that locker room knew it. Whether or not moving on from that is the kind of thing that might cause McDavid to smile more often is perhaps assuming too much. 

What might be fair to argue is that the Oilers are playing better hockey and that big questionmark about what Edmonton intends to do with a very real goaltending conundrum is, at least for now, answered. 

That could be bringing with it a sense of ease that allows everyone to move forward.

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Utah Mammoth At Pittsburgh Penguins Preview: Lineup Changes, Where To Watch

The Pittsburgh Penguins are fresh off another epic collapse on Saturday. 

They had a 5-1 lead with less than 13 minutes to go in regulation against the San Jose Sharks and coughed up the lead before losing in overtime. They even had a 5-2 lead with less than six minutes left and still couldn't find a way to get the two points. 

The Penguins were dominating the Sharks all afternoon, but when one bad thing happened, it snowballed and got so much worse. 

They will try to get over it quickly on Sunday when the Utah Mammoth come to town. The Mammoth are fresh off a 5-3 win over the Seattle Kraken on Friday night and are 15-13-3 this season, good for fourth in the Central division. 

Nick Schmaltz has been fantastic this season, compiling 12 goals an 29 points in 33 games. Clayton Keller has also been great with 10 goals and 28 points in 33 games. Dylan Guenther and JJ Peterka are also big threats when they're on the ice. 

The Mammoth will be without Pittsburgh native Logan Cooley, who has 14 goals and 23 points this year. He has blossomed into an entertaining player since he was drafted third overall in the 2022 NHL Draft. 

Penguins captain Sidney Crosby is closing in on more history. He's only two points away from tying Mario Lemieux for the most points in the Penguins' franchise history and the eighth-most points in NHL history. He also only needs three points to move past Lemieux. 

Sergei Murashov will start in goal for the Penguins since goaltender Stuart Skinner is still dealing with immigration following the trade from Edmonton. Defenseman Brett Kulak is dealing with the same thing and also won't be available for this game.

Puck drop is set for 3 p.m. ET on SportsNet Pittsburgh and fans can listen to the game on 105.9 'The X.'

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Nashville Predators 'giving credit to opponent' after loss to league-leading Avalanche

The Nashville Predators don't feel like they played a bad game against the Colorado Avalanche on Saturday in Denver. 

In the 4-2 Predators loss, both head coach Andrew Brunette and forward Jonathan Marchessault agreed that Nashville had played a good game, and the loss was more on the Avalanche, which found a way to win. 

"I don't think it was a step back. I think we had a pretty good effort," Marchessault said. "Sometimes you've just got to give credit to the opponent and that's a really good team that finds ways to win hockey games. Tonight, they were just better than us." 

The Predators had 18 scoring chances, 11 of them high danger on 29 shots and paced play for the early part of the second period. However, facing Colorado's starter, Scott Wedgewood, they struggled to find the back of the net.

It also came down to Nashville giving Colorado a little too much space, a power-play opportunity, or letting in a bad goal.

Nathan MacKinnon's opening goal saw the Predators' defense give the league's leading scorer too much space. Jack Dury's shot found its way into the net off a double deflection off of Roman Josi and Nic Hague. 

Victor Olofsson scored on a play that saw the Avalanche pull Wedgewood for a 6-on-5 opportunity on the delayed penalty call. The final goal was an empty net. 

"First goal was a little bit of a breakdown, an unlucky bounce on the second goal and 5-on-6, with their goalie out, was the difference in the game," Brunette said. "We hung in there and had our chances. I really liked the first 10 minutes of the second period and then we got into penalty trouble."

Nashville had opportunities to cut the lead and tie the game. Specifically in the second period, Ryan O'Reilly made a centering feed to Steven Stamkos in the slot, but Wedgewood shut down Stamkos' opportunity. 

Marchessault still got a conversion on the power play and Tyson Jost scored late, recording his second goal of the season. 

"It was a game that could've been had. We had some really good opportunities to tie the score, and it didn't happen," Brunette said. "I really like our overall game. There were no overall passengers. That's kind of the pattern we've had over the last two or three weeks and we'll continue to do that moving forward." 

Up next: Nashville Predators (12-15-4, 8th in Central) at St. Louis Blues (12-14-7, 7th in Central) on Monday, Dec. 15 at 7 p.m. CST at the Enterprise Center. 

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From LaFontaine To Heineman: A 44-Year Trade Tree Comes Full Circle

On a day when the New York Islanders inducted Pat LaFontaine into the team's Hall of Fame, one of the team's newest acquisitions was the hero.

Emil Heineman scored the shootout winner to cap off a 3-2 win over the Tampa Bay Lightning, his second in as many skills competitions. 

However, in a roundabout way, Heineman's heroics were the end of a 44-year history of the original deal that brought LaFontaine to Long Island. The pick used to select LaFontaine was acquired in a 1981 deal with the Colorado Rockies in exchange for Dave Cameron and Bob Lormier.

However, that was just the start of what was an expansive trade tree. 

The Heineman branch of the trade tree has several high-profile names involved.

It starts with Pierre Turgeon, one of four players acquired in the first trade with the Buffalo Sabres in 1991. After four seasons, he was traded to the Montreal Canadiens with Vladimir Malakhov for three players, including Kirk Muller and defenseman Mathieu Schneider, who set the next leg into motion. 

Schneider and D.J. Smith were part of the deal that brought Wendel Clark back to Toronto, with Kenny Jonsson, an Islanders Hall of Famer being part of the return. However, a Hockey Hall of Famer in Roberto Luongo was taken with a first-round pick that went to New York in the trade, which became the next branch. 

He and Olli Jokinen were dealt to the Florida Panthers in exchange for Mark Parrish and Brent Sopel. Those two were dealt to the Los Angeles Kings in the trade for Jeff Tambelini. The other Islander acquisition, Denis Grebeshkov, was traded to the Edmonton Oilers Marc-Andre Bergeron and a 2008 third-round pick that became Kirill Petrov. 

Petrov and Allen Rourke were part of a return deal to the Oilers for a 2008 second-round pick, which became Travis Hamonic. Which leads us to the more recent and, for now, final developments. 

Hamonic was traded to the Calgary Flames in 2017 with a 2019 fourth-round pick for three draft picks. One of them was a 2019 first-rounder, which became Noah Dobson. Evidently, this culminates in the Heineman trade, where he joined the Islanders in exchange for the picks that became Victor Eklund and Kashawn Aitcheson. 

However, several of the tree's branches are eye-catchers.  As part of the deals on the opposite side, the Alexei Yashin trade is part of the story. The Islanders traded Hall of Fame defenseman Zdeno Chara, Bill Muckalt and a first-round pick, which became Jason Spezza, in the deal for Yashin. Also notable was a deal for forward Oleg Kvasha to the Arizona Coyotes in exchange for a 2006 third-round pick, which was later traded to the Boston Bruins to allow them to take Brad Marchand. 

With the original trade of LaFontaine to Buffalo sparking the last 44 years of deals into motion, everything came full circle on his special day. As Heineman continues to make a name for himself on Long Island, it all can be traced back to Saturday's honoree. 

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Brentford v Leeds United: Premier League – as it happened

Jordan Henderson’s first goal for Brentford was cancelled out by a towering header from Dominic Calvert-Lewin

13 min It’s all fairly cagey. Leeds, who look very comfortable for a side who only recently switched to a back three, are having plenty of possession in the middle third.

9 min Almost a chance for Leeds, who have settled nicely on the ball. Bogle slides a pass down the side to Calvert-Lewin, who slips Van den Berg cleverly and guides a low ball into the six-yard box. Okafor is slightly on his heels and Brentford are able to clear.

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Sunderland 1-0 Newcastle, Crystal Palace 0-3 Manchester City and more: Premier League – live

Nick Woltemade’s own goal gave Sunderland a Tyne-Wear derby win, while Villa, Man City and Forest beat West Ham, Palace and Spurs respectively

Talking of Brobbey, it’s an absolute crime if he doesn’t get a song to this, no 1 on this day on in 1993.

If I was a rich club looking for a midfielder, I’d be very interested in Noah Sadiki, who has a bit of everything. My guess is Sunderland look to run Newcastle off the pitch in midfield – not easily done – and to play off Brobbey, with Enzo Le Fee their wildcard. If they can get him on the ball, they’ll hope he can pick runs in behind with balls slid down the sides of defenders, and I’d also expect plenty of crosses and box-crashing from the midfielders.

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Erling Haaland and Phil Foden fire Manchester City to win at Crystal Palace

Even in a week when they have beaten the mighty Real Madrid in the Santiago Bernabéu, this must rank as one of Pep Guardiola’s most satisfying victories of the season.

It was Oliver Glasner who condemned the Manchester City manager to his first season without a major trophy since his first year in English football when Crystal Palace enjoyed the greatest day in their history at the FA Cup final back in May. So outsmarting one of the Premier League’s shrewdest operators would have provided Guardiola extra contentment, not to mention helping City move back to within two points of leaders Arsenal.

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Red Wings Laud "Complete Game" Effort vs. Blackhawks To Cap Successful Road Swing

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The metal of the Detroit Red Wings was put to the test as they embarked on a season-high six-game road trip. 

The road trip, which just concluded on Saturday evening, yielded extremely encouraging results, as the Red Wings won four of six games while claiming nine of a possible 12 points. 

The Red Wings defeated the Chicago Blackhawks by a 4-0 final score at United Center thanks to multiple contributions from former Blackhawks players Patrick Kane and Alex DeBrincat, helping Detroit maintain a tie for the first place position in the Atlantic Division. 

Not only that, but John Gibson picked up his second shutout in three games, and won his fifth straight start, something he attributed to a complete team effort. 

“I thought it was a complete game top to bottom, from the drop of the puck to the finish," Gibson said. "We stuck to our game plan and played really well. A total team effort.”

DeBrincat scored just 55 seconds into the contest, while Kane picked up the 498th goal of his NHL career in the venue in which he wowed legions of Blackhawks fans during his 15 and a half seasons as a Blackhawk. 

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Rookie Emmitt Finnie increased the lead to 3-0 in the second period, while DeBrincat capped the scoring with an empty-net goal late in the third period, his second of the night and team-leading 18th goal. 

Afterward, head coach Todd McLellan, who is closing in on his one-year anniversary since being hired, lauded Detroit's efforts not only against Chicago but on the overall road trip.

“When you look at it from a points perspective, it’s a really good trip for us, we had to win in a lot of different ways," he said. "To finish six games in 10 nights with a shutout, that’s something we should be proud of."

McLellan has repeatedly spoken about the importance of mental fortitude and game management, which he saw plenty of over the course of the trip. 

Red Wings' Patrick Kane on Coming Back to Chicago: “It’s Always Fun”Red Wings' Patrick Kane on Coming Back to Chicago: “It’s Always Fun”On Saturday evening, longtime Chicago Blackhawks forward Patrick Kane will suit up for the Detroit Red Wings for the third time at United Center, the venue he called home for so manyyears.

When we started Training Camp three months ago, we talked about being mentally stronger, physically stronger, and improving (our) in-game management," he said. "I thought we saw all three of those elements on the trip, especially here tonight.”

The Red Wings return home to play consecutive games on Tuesday and Wedesday evening against the New York Islanders and Utah Mammoth. 

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Are Knicks gearing up for a Mitchell Robinson trade?

December 15th is the unofficial start of NBA trade season, as free agents that were signed this offseason become eligible to be dealt. The rumor mill is already hard at work, with the Knicks a headliner in multiple rumors.

In recent days, Kris Pursiainen of ClutchPoints reported New York is interested in acquiring Donte DiVincenzo or Jose Alvarado, and ESPN1320’s James Ham reported they have shown interest in Dennis Schroder. DiVincenzo remains a fan favorite from maybe the best single-season Knick career in franchise history, while the other two are reliable, defensively stout guards, making for a natural group of targets.

What’s notable are their salaries: DiVincenzo earns $12 million and Schroder $14 million. If the Knicks are truly aiming to acquire one of them, in order to match salaries they’ll have to ship out half of their bench or one key player. 

Mitchell Robinson has been the longest tenured Knick throughout the Leon Rose era, making a huge impact on multiple playoff runs. But this is the final year of his contract, they didn’t agree to an extension, and historically the Knicks have traded players in similar situations before allowing them to walk in free agency.

Maybe this time is different, but Robinson’s health has been a major concern, his defense has dropped off dramatically, and his contract just so happens to be the only one that aligns with these reported trade targets. Are the Knicks gearing up to trade Robinson, and if so, should they?

If the former is true, it can’t be gleaned from reports of trade interest. On the rare occasion the Knicks have made a midseason trade, they weren’t pre-linked to their targets, and a report from an opposing team’s beat can easily be juicing the local player’s value for future talks. 

It’s possible New York wants the offseason flexibility and still re-signs Robinson this summer. He was immensely effective in the postseason and even with his struggles this year has been a beast on the offensive glass. 

Nov 5, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) controls the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden.
Nov 5, 2025; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks center Mitchell Robinson (23) controls the ball against Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert (27) during the second quarter at Madison Square Garden. / Brad Penner-Imagn Images

The fact that his salary happens to match potential trade acquisitions means little, as complicated as combining salaries or roping in third and fourth teams are it still happens, and is an alternative route to secure these names. They could also just be interested yet not willing to move on from Robinson.

Should they be? The concerns about his health are legitimate, not having played a 60-game season since 2022 and being restricted this year. 

When he has played, he hasn’t looked the same defensively, with his mobility taking a big hit. With Robinson on the court, the Knicks are allowing 114.2 points per 100 possessions compared to 110.3 with him off, when historically he’s had the opposite impact.  

He’s been the same monster on the glass as usual, and is still their best option at backup center. Without Robinson, the Knicks are down to Guerschon Yabusele, Ariel Hukporti, and Trey Jemison III.

That’s one concern about trading him, though the Knicks could theoretically fill that gap in another move. Does moving Robinson and a Yabusele/ Pacome Dadiet/picks package for DiVincenzo/Schroder and a new backup five provide enough extra value to shake up team chemistry and avoid losing a free agent?

The answer likely depends on who New York can acquire on both ends. If DiVincenzo is actually in play, it’s hard for the Knicks not to consider this pattern of moves.

DiVincenzo would provide a jolt of shooting and creation in a system he’s especially equipped for, not to mention the narrative and aura surrounding such a reunion would take the city by storm. Schroder ironically may be the even better fit as a reliable ball handler and nosier defender. 

But if New York can’t backfill Robinson, it gets tougher. Perhaps they believe in Yabusele and Hukporti enough, or can somehow swindle a Daniel Gafford or JalenSmith. 

Even then, the upside and game-breaking impact Robinson can deliver in the Playoffs makes it hard to justify even a marginal on-paper improvement during a championship hunt. What’s more realistic is the Knicks are doing their due diligence on every front and exploring all avenues to maximize these upcoming playoff runs.

What that actually materializes in vis-a-vis a trade will more than likely be nothing from what we’ve seen. New York is especially low on chips and flexibility here, and won’t want to upset a 17-7 rolling Knicks team headed for the NBA Cup Championship. 

Still, anything is possible in this wild league and with this unforgiving franchise desperately pursuing its first title in 50 years. We’re sure to hear plenty more between now and February, but don’t read too much into it unless something finally happens. 

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Following Jorge Polanco signing, Mets' David Stearns could have eyes on blockbuster trade with Padres

If you were hoping for an immediate big-splash response to losing Pete Alonso and Edwin Diaz that would make you feel better about this Mets’ offseason, well, it’s clear by now that David Stearns just isn’t wired that way. 

Which is to say, Jorge Polanco is a solid player coming off a good season with the Seattle Mariners that included a few electric postseason moments. He’s just not a guy who’s going to send anyone running to buy season tickets. 

And that’s fine if he helps the Mets win a lot of games next season. Which remains to be seen, of course. 

For the moment, the timing of Polanco’s signing seemed to indicate that Stearns won’t be pushed into going big-game hunting no matter how outraged the fan base is by the events of this past week.

On the other hand, a potential trade with the San Diego Padres that has been reported -- most heavily by The Athletic -- in recent days could be of blockbuster quality, even if it apparently wouldn’t include Francisco Lindor or Fernando Tatis Jr.

More on that to come. 

As for Polanco, it’s not exactly a bargain contract, as $20 million a year seems to be pushing the envelope on value, given his inconsistent track record. But it’s only a two-year deal, or $40 million total, which is $115 million less than Alonso is guaranteed with the Baltimore Orioles. 

There is also the little matter of whether Polanco can play first base, which is where Mets’ people are saying they see him getting most of his at-bats. It’s notable because he’s virtually never played first base at the big-league level (one career game at first base, which came this past season), and though most middle infielders are a good bet to adapt well to the new position, it still adds some risk to the equation. 

It’s also thinking outside the box, to a degree, which is kind of what you want to see from Stearns after all the bloodletting this past week. Yet Polanco, whose 26 home runs last season was the second-highest total of his career, is hardly a guy who’s going to fill the power void left by Alonso’s departure. 

However, Stearns may think he can build an effective offensive team without big power. Consider what his old team, the Milwaukee Brewers, did last season, finishing third in the majors in runs scored despite ranking only 22nd in home runs. 

Of course, the Brewers also finished second in the majors in stolen bases and had the fifth-fewest total of strikeouts, so they were a fast, contact-hitting team that would be hard for the Mets to emulate. They also were completely shut down in the postseason by the Los Angeles Dodgers, and indeed they’ve had little success in October in recent years.

Oct 20, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Seattle Mariners second baseman Jorge Polanco (7) warms up before game seven of the ALCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images
Oct 20, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Seattle Mariners second baseman Jorge Polanco (7) warms up before game seven of the ALCS round for the 2025 MLB playoffs against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images / © Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Perhaps Stearns also had an eye on the Toronto Blue Jays, who had great success with a high-contact offense, including the second-fewest total of strikeouts. Polanco struck out only 84 times last season, which ranked in the 83rd percentile of all major league hitters last season.

“What you’re seeing is David wants to build a team that is solid in all facets of the game,” one person who has worked for Stearns in the past told me. “He’s a sum-of-the-parts guy. I think he’d rather have grinders than stars.”

Polanco fits that mold. So does outfielder Ramon Laureano, who could be coming to Queens as well if the Mets make that multi-player trade with the Padres that has been reported in detail by The Athletic as being in the talking stages.

There is no indication that Lindor or Tatis Jr. would be part of such a deal, yet it could still fill a lot of holes for the Mets, as it reportedly could include starting pitcher Nick Pivetta, reliever and strikeout monster Mason Miller, as well as lefty reliever Adrian Morejon, who was dominant last season, and Laureano too.

Laureano isn’t the contact hitter that Polanco is, striking out 119 times last season in 132 games, but he hit .281 last season and he’s got some pop, as evidenced by his 54 extra-base hits and a .512 slugging percentage. Last year he ranked in the 93rd percentile of all MLB hitters in expected slugging percentage, based on his quality of contact.

At age 31 he’s coming off his two best offensive seasons since 2019, and while he has very limited range in the outfield, according to Statcast, he does have one of the strongest arms in the game.

And Laureano is making $6.5 million on a team option in 2026 before reaching free agency next winter, which means he would come a lot cheaper than Cody Bellinger, not to mention Kyle Tucker.

Likewise, Pivetta could be a short-term answer to upgrading the starting rotation, coming off the best season of his career at age 32, with a 2.87 ERA over 31 starts and 181 innings. The righthander is due to make $19.75 million in 2026 and can opt out of the final two years of his contract (worth $33.5 million) after next season.

For the Mets to also get Miller, perhaps the hardest thrower in the game, in the same deal, it would take a huge package, but baseball people say the two teams do match up in terms of needs.

That is, the Padres are desperate for pitching, after losing Dylan Cease and (presumably) Michael King to free agency, as well as Yu Darvish to injury, and while the Mets would get Pivetta they could send back Jonah Tong and Brandon Sproat, as well as David Peterson and perhaps Kodai Senga as well, in addition to a Mark Vientos or Ronny Mauricio.

It’s an intriguing possibility and, perhaps more to the point, it would fill some key needs for the Mets without dipping heavily into free agency.

“I’d bet on Stearns making some version of that trade (with the Padres) before I could see him giving (Framber) Valdez or (Ranger) Suarez a long-term deal,” said the person who once worked for Stearns.  “That’s just who he is. (Juan) Soto was the exception, and that was probably more (Steve) Cohen anyway. David wants to build something without committing to long-term contracts as much as he can.”

That’s becoming more obvious by the day.