The New York Mets had an exhilarating 2024 season, making it to the National League Championship Series in dramatic fashion. For the 2025 season, New York Juan Soto to a 15-year $765 million contract. The move is exactly what the team needed, and Soto was not the only free-agent addition. The Mets also signed Clay Holmes from the Yankees, strengthening their starting rotation. They signed starting pitcher Frankie Montas, who is now injured. The Mets significantly improved their team and will likely compete with the Los Angeles Dodgers to represent the National League in the World Series. Who do you think will win?
New York Mets Starting Rotation
Sean Manaea is the ace of the pitching staff for New York, but he strained his right oblique strain and is currently out. When healthy, he will provide New York with 180 innings. He will miss the start of the season. Kodai Senga will man the first spot until Mansea returns. His ‘ghost fork’ will continue to befuddle hitters. The Mets signed former Yankee closer Clay Holmes to eventually fill their third spot in the rotation.
New York also signed Frankie Motas from the Milwaukee Brewers, but he may miss 8 weeks with a high-grade lat strain. When healthy, he should supplant Holmes in the top three of the starting rotation. Left-handed David Peterson is 6 foot 6 inches tall. He could be in line for a breakout season. Griffin Canning will be the fourth starter for the time being. With the injuries, Paul Blackburn assumes the last spot. There is a chance for some young pitchers to star. Look for Taylor McGill or prospect Brandon Sproat to break camp with the club. Sproat throws in excess of 100 MPH.
New York Mets Bullpen
The closer for the Mets is the nasty Edwin Diaz. He piles up strikeouts, and the game is probably over when he enters the game. With set-up man A.J. Minter hurt, 31-year-old Reed Garrett will get a shot. He could also generate swings and misses. Jose Butto is like Garrett in that he walks too many people, but he also throws in the upper 90s and strokes out a lot of guys. Danny Young will be another option out of the pen. His slider is very good and produces a lot of swings and misses. The New York Mets brought back Ryne Stanek to add bullpen depth.
Catcher
Who is going to catch all of those great pitchers? The starting catcher for the New York Mets is Francisco Alvarez. He has big power, and is a great pitch frame. He just needs to play with more consistency. Luis Torrens cannot hit but throws very well, and would-be base stealers are at their peril when he is behind the plate.
Infield
In the infield, the Mets have a superstar at shortstop in Francisco Lindor. Ronald Acuna Jr.’s brother, Luisangel Acuna, backs him up and looks good. Mark Vientos is the third baseman. He has plenty of power, but he swings and misses a lot. On defense, he can play either corner spot. Jeff McNeil will play second base for the Mets. He has defensive versatility as well, but his hitting has declined somewhat. The Mets re-signed Pete Alonso, the Polar Bear, to play first base. He hit one of the most important home runs in Mets history and is a big wild card this season.
Outfield
Juan Soto will play right field for the Mets. He may be one of the best hitters in the majors and is strong defensively, especially because of his strong and accurate arm. Former center fielder Brandon Nimmo will play left field. He had a poor second half of last season, and the team needs him to bounce back. Jose Siri was acquired via trade from the Tampa Bay Rays to play center field. He is excellent defensively but an adventurous and poor batter. He and Tyrone Taylor will platoon at this position. Taylor plays all three outfield positions, and he can hit a bit as well.
Designated Hitter
Sterling Marte is now 36 and will be the Mets designated hitter. He is still a good hitter. The Mets need him in their batting order. However, he is a terrible defender at this point in his career. New York will have plenty of other options at designated hitter if needed.
Management
David Stearns is the aggressive baseball decision-maker for the Mets. Owner Steve Cohen is rich, has deep pockets, and will spend on his team. That combination should make everyone nervous. Carlos Mendoza is the capable Mets manager.
Conclusion
The New York Mets, with their addition of all-world hitter Juan Soto, have jumped out as the favorite in the National League East. The owner, deep-pocketed Steve Cohen, said he would spend money to plug holes in the team. That sets the Mets up for a battle with the Los Angeles Dodgers for National League supremacy,
