The New York Mets are entering the 2025 season as one of the frontrunners for the National League East title and a potential rematch with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the NL Championship Series. Under manager Carlos Mendoza last season, they finished with an 89-73 record, tying for second place in the division.
To bolster an already strong roster, the Mets signed free-agent right fielder Juan Soto to a groundbreaking 15-year, $765 million contract. Soto (.288, 41 HRs, 109 RBIs, 128 runs, 129 BBs, .989 OPS with the Yankees) becomes the centerpiece of an impressive lineup that includes shortstop Francisco Lindor (.273, 33 HRs, 91 RBIs, 107 runs, 39 doubles, 29 SBs, .844 OPS), first baseman Pete Alonso (.240, 34 HRs, 88 RBIs, .788 OPS), third baseman Mark Vientos (.266, 27 HRs, 71 RBIs, .837 OPS), and left fielder Brandon Nimmo (.224, 23 HRs, 90 RBIs, .727 OPS).
The Mets’ projected rotation features right-hander Kodai Senga (1-0, 3.38 ERA in 1 start), left-hander David Peterson (10-3, 2.90 ERA), right-hander Clay Holmes (3-5, 3.14 ERA, 30/43 saves in 67 appearances with the Yankees), left-hander Sean Manaea (12-6, 3.47 ERA, career-high 181.2 innings pitched), and right-hander Frankie Montas (7-11, 4.84 ERA with the Reds and Brewers).
Key relievers include right-handers Edwin Díaz (6-4, 3.52 ERA, 20/27 saves, 84 strikeouts), Ryne Stanek (7-3, 4.88 ERA, 7 saves), Reed Garrett (8-5, 3.77 ERA, 4 saves, 83 strikeouts), and José Buttó (7-3, 2.55 ERA, 3 saves). Left-hander A.J. Minter (5-4, 2.62 ERA, 1 save) will also play a significant role.
Despite a strong lineup, there are concerns as starting catcher Francisco Álvarez is expected to miss at least a month due to a broken bone in his left hand. Additionally, second baseman Jeff McNeil will begin the season on the injured list with an oblique strain, and Nimmo is recovering from a sore right knee.
Pitching remains a concern, particularly with Montas and Manaea, the team’s top starter last year, sidelined by injuries. This could open up rotation spots for pitchers like Canning, Tylor Megill, and Paul Blackburn. The conversion of Holmes into a starter could also prove critical for the Mets’ success.
The Mets will begin their season with two three-game series on the road against Houston and Miami before returning home for the season opener on Friday, April 4, against the Toronto Blue Jays at 3:10 p.m. EST. Tickets for the opener at Citi Field are selling quickly, with prices starting as low as $100 on various platforms such as StubHub, Viagogo, Seat Geek, and Vivid Seats.