In assessing the Mets’ brutal 74-win season, president of baseball operations David Stearns on Monday cited changes that went badly. 

“We and I made a number of decisions that created the potential for almost an uncapped downside scenario,” Stearns said at Citi Field. “We had a lot of change. I think change in New York is probably different than change in other markets.” 

In addition to overhauling the roster nucleus, Stearns implemented an almost entirely new coaching staff. The Mets got buried in the first three months of the season, and even a solid post-trade deadline showing couldn’t rescue the team. 

“My job is to put a winning team on the field every single year,” Stearns said when asked about the pressure he is facing. “That hasn’t changed.” 

In a 32-minute session with reporters, he offered few specifics but acknowledged the starting rotation will be a point of emphasis. But with lefty ace Tarik Skubal looming as the top free agent, Stearns declined to say if he might be active in the top end of the pitching market. 

“I do think it is necessary for us to add to our starting rotation,” Stearns said. “We can do that in a variety of different ways. You would always love to add to the top of your rotation. Any team would love to do that. Over the long term, what we need to do is develop pitchers at the top of a rotation, and I think we are proving we can do that, and we’ll continue to do that.” 

Nolan McLean, after a strong rookie season, is a lock for the rotation, and homegrown options Christian Scott and Zac Thornton appear in strong position for spots.

The Mets also have Sean Manaea under contract for another season and Kodai Senga as a starting or relief option. Tylor Megill will be returning from a season of Tommy John surgery rehab and could factor in either as a starter or reliever, according to Stearns. 

First base remains a jigsaw puzzle — Jorge Polanco will be returning from ankle surgery after his underwhelming first season in Queens, and Jared Young remains in the equation after a solid showing as a stopgap. Stearns also mentioned Brett Baty — following his strong August and September — as an option to receive regular at-bats. 

“Marcus [Semien] didn’t have the type of year offensively that he wanted, that we would expect,” Stearns said. “Brett showed us our last four, six weeks of the season what his ceiling looks like, and we need him to get to that ceiling more consistently.” 

Stearns said there are “really good minor league infielders knocking on the door.” That list includes top prospect Jefferson Rojas and Émilien Pitre, who was acquired from the Rays at the trade deadline. 

“Sitting here right now, I’m not going to commit to what second base looks like next year,” Stearns said. “But I do think we’ve got some really good players both at the major league level and prospects that are coming that can make that a productive position for us. 

“Our goal is not to build the team through free agency. Our goal is to have a consistent pipeline of young talent that can consistently restock a team — they’re going to be selective, very aggressive pursuits. We have complete ownership support to make those selective, very aggressive pursuits, and I think we will continue to do that.” 

Stearns also touched on the front office composition following the addition last week of former Twins director of baseball operations Derek Falvey as a senior advisor. Falvey was in the team’s offices Monday to begin his new role, according to Stearns. 

“Derek is one of the better executives in our sport,” Stearns said. “He’s got a tremendous amount of experience. He’s touched every aspect of baseball operations over the course of his career around the business side in Minnesota as well. So, I think he’s going to help us everywhere. He’s a great thought partner. He can provide some different life experiences and different perspectives.”