Mets president David Stearns suggests re-signing Jesse Winker could be part of offseason plans

Thanks to the contributions of longtime stars Francisco Lindor and Pete Alonso, as well as important role players such as Jesse Winker, the New York Mets surprised nearly the entire MLB this year. No one could have predicted that the Mets would reach the National League Championship Series after such a dismal start to the year.

Winker was an important piece throughout the postseason. After being acquired at the trade deadline from the Washington Nationals, he brought a spark to New York's lineup, something that did not go unnoticed by the team's president of baseball operations, David Stearns.

"Wink did a great job for us," Stearns said on Wednesday. "He was having a really good year in Washington, came over here, adjusted to a little bit of a new role. We asked him to play a bit more outfield, he did that. When we asked him to DH, he did that," Stearns said of Winker's impact on the club this season.

The acquisition of Winker turned out to be an underrated one as the veteran outfielder brought a level of intensity to the squad, while also putting out the numbers with the bat. Over his 10 games played in the postseason, he registered a .318 batting average with a home run, four RBIs and a 1.168 OPS. Stearns pointed out his contributions while leaving the door open for a potential return.

"I appreciated the fire," Stearns said. "I think out fanbase appreciated the fire. Absolutely another player who contributed to our team who we'll certainly stay in touch with."

One of the moments that best highlighted the fire that Jesse Winker brought to the Mets came during the NLDS matchup against the Milwaukee Brewers. After hitting a two-run triple, he and Brewers shortstop Willy Adames exchanged words, adding another layer of tension to the postseason series.

Jesse Winker is not the only pending free agent that the Mets could look to bring back

While David Stearns has left the door open to bringing Winker back, there are other players that the team will need to address. Thanks to a deep postseason run, several Mets free agents could be looking to land a lucrative deal, which could affect their future with the club.

Pete Alonso, Sean Manaea, Jose Quintana and J.D. Martinez are some of the veterans who will be looking for new contracts. It is going to be a busy offseason for Stearns and the rest of the New York Mets front office.