Stearns began his career in baseball with the New York Mets as a baseball operations intern. He then spent three years with the Office of the Commissioner of Baseball, where he focused on labor relations. After his stint at the Commissioner's Office, Stearns joined the Cleveland Indians as Director of Baseball Operations. He then moved to the Houston Astros, where he served as Assistant General Manager, helping the team rebuild and lay the groundwork for their future success.
In 2015, Stearns was hired by the Milwaukee Brewers as their General Manager, making him the youngest GM in the MLB at the time. He was tasked with rebuilding the Brewers, a team that had struggled in the years prior to his arrival. Stearns quickly made a name for himself with his savvy trades and acquisitions, as well as his emphasis on player development and analytics.
Under Stearns' leadership, the Brewers have seen a significant turnaround. In 2018, the team won the National League Central Division and made it to the National League Championship Series. The Brewers repeated as division champions in 2021, marking the first time in franchise history that the team won the division in consecutive seasons.
Stearns' approach to team building has been lauded by many in the baseball community. He has been able to build a competitive team in Milwaukee despite operating in one of the smallest markets in the MLB. His ability to identify and develop talent, as well as his strategic use of analytics, has set him apart as one of the most innovative executives in the game.
In recognition of his success, Stearns was promoted to President of Baseball Operations in 2019, while retaining his role as General Manager. This promotion solidified his position as the key decision-maker for the Brewers and underscored the trust that the organization has in his leadership.
Throughout his career, David Stearns has demonstrated a keen understanding of the game of baseball and a strategic approach to team building. His success with the Brewers has established him as one of the top executives in the MLB, and his innovative approach to player development and analytics continues to shape the future of the game.
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