Mets Offseason Moves

By Lachlan Wellington January 04, 2025 22:32

Photo by Sarah Stier/GettyImages

There is one thing you can be sure about when it comes to New York Mets fans- that they are loyal.

The big market team has only ever won two World Series titles in 1969 and 1986- the last of which was 38 years ago!

Their National League division certainly makes things tough with both the Braves and the Phillies in the NL East with them and the Nationals being no slouches either.

The Mets have also had good seasons recently. The team from Queens went 101-61 in 2022 but lost in the wildcard series and 89-73 in 2024 being knocked out by the Dodgers in the National League Championship series in six.

Despite losing to the Dodgers, the Mets comeback from a slow start to 2024 meant that they made the playoffs and went within two wins of the World Series. This prompted owner Steve Cohen to go all out this off season to try and go a step further in 2025.

The biggest and most bold move the Mets have made is signing Juan Soto to a 15-year, $765 million contract. A lucrative deal but if Soto carries on being the player he has been it will be worth it.

Since his rookie season in 2018 with the Washington Nationals, Soto has been one of the best sluggers in the game. The Dominican averages .285/ .421/ .532 with an OPS of .953.

One thing that sets him apart is his walk rate, he averages 96 a season with 117 hits, 82 runs, 25 home runs on average across eight seasons in the league.

Although this was by far the most expensive move by the Mets made, they had before this already bolstered their roster ahead of 2025.

The Mets signed right-handed starter Frankie Montas to a two-year, $34 million deal with an opt-out option for 2025. Months will slot into the Mets starting rotation after Luis Severino signed with the Oaklands Athletics.

Another later addition the Mets made was bringing in former Yankees closer and reliever Clay Holmes on a three-year, $38 million deal. The one caveat is that the Mets are expected to use Holmes as a starter instead of in the relief role he did so well for the Yankees in.

Righty starter Griffin Canning was also signed by New York to a one-year, $4.25 million contract.

Sean Manaea was also recently re-signed by the Mets and will feature in their 2025 starting rotation. The Mets penned him to a three-year, $75-million deal.

New York’s approach to starters recently has been to not have a true ace and sign pitchers to shorter contracts and if they prove themselves worth it to then offer them a longer contract.

Currently going into 2025 the Mets starting rotation options include some of Kodai Senga, Sean Manaea, David Peterson, Paul Blackburn, and newly acquired Griffin Canning, Frankie Montas and Clay Holmes.

The other move the Mets have made so far this off season is bringing in first-baseman Jared Young on a one-year, $1.15 million MLB contract.

However, the one looming issue over the Mets currently is what to do about Pete Alonso. With signing Soto, the Mets spent a significant amount of money, therefore, the chances of them bringing back Alonso have been significantly reduced.

Alonso was drafted by the Mets back in 2016 in the second round as he was the 64th overall pick. The slugger made his MLB debut in March of 2019 and since then has slashed .249/ .339/ .514 with an OPS of .854. He has arguably been Mr. Met over the last few years and many fans would be sad to see him leave if he does not re-sign with the franchise.

Whatever happens with Alonso, the Mets have backup at first base with Mark Vientos but bringing Alonso back would surely only strengthen an already very good team. Carlos Mendoza in his rookie year as manager did a good job after a hard start but year two with the team he is assembling will be where his fate is decided for sure.