The New York Mets had a wild 2024 season that saw them make an improbable run to the NLCS after beginning the season 0-5. The 2025 campaign figures to include the kind of exciting offensive production that should keep them in the postseason hunt. Whether or not the Mets can make a run at a World Series title may hinge on their pitching staff's competency.
Mets 2025 Preview: Offense will score... a lot
Steve Cohen and David Stearns went to work this offseason, significantly improving New York's lineup. Most notably, they inked big-ticket free agent Juan Soto to a 15-year, $765 million contract.
“My body feels great — I am in a good spot,” Soto told the New York Post recently. “I am in shape, so I feel good to start the season.”
The 26-year-old slugger will join Francisco Lindor, Mark Vientos, Brandon Nimmo, Pete Alonso (who was retained after a lengthy process), and others in a formidable arrangement that is sure to put up runs on a daily basis.
The Mets were above league average in terms of home runs and RBIs last season. Even though they will be without catcher Francisco Alvarez to begin this campaign, the addition of Soto will enhance what was an already dangerous group.
Further, Brett Baty and Ronny Mauricio could each make a greater impact than anticipated in a post-prospect hype season.
Mauricio has been recovering from a torn ACL since the end of 2023, but could be back in Queens sooner rather than later. Baty bashed four home runs, collected 11 RBIs, and earned a 1.186 OPS this spring.
MetsMuse is a certified Brett Baty believer pic.twitter.com/1JVTG949fE
— MetsMuse (@MetsMuse) March 24, 2025
Even if each serves as a bench presence, they may help provide occasional pop. The same can be said of other players like Starling Marte, Tyrone Taylor, Jose Siri, and Jesse Winker, who will all receive mixed amounts of playing time.
Mets' pitching staff must keep team in games
For as versatile as the Mets' offense may be, their ceiling may be determined by how well their starting rotation holds up. They will begin the year without Frankie Montas and Sean Manaea. Clay Holmes, Tylor Megill, Griffin Canning, David Peterson, and Kodai Senga will be the first five starters of the year, and it will be imperative that this group succeeds at giving the offense a chance to compete while Manaea and Montas get healthy.
There are genuine reasons to be concered about the rotation. This will be Holmes' first year as a full-time starter. Peterson, Megill, and Canning have all been streaky and hard to properly assess. Senga had a brilliant 2023, but struggled to stay healthy last year.
But, if these arms can be productive until reinforcements arrive (either through better health or thanks to the trade deadline), the back end of the bullpen should be able to be consistently shut the door on opponents.
The Mets are on the cover of the latest issue of Sports Illustrated, their first time gracing it since 2021.
— Anthony DiComo (@AnthonyDiComo) March 25, 2025
(Photo credit SI / Jeffery A. Salter) pic.twitter.com/Dx5TXinX4s
Offseason acquisition A.J. Minter will fit nicely with other returning faces like Danny Young, Huascar Brazobán, Reed Garrett, and Ryne Stanek.
There is also a case to be made that Edwin Diaz is one of the best closers in baseball. His K% ranked in the 100th percentile last year, and if he can maintain control of the strike zone and limit walks, there is no reason to believe he won't be effective this summer.
The Mets will likely be in position to nab a Wild Card spot at the very least, and they should be a serious contender to steal the NL East crown. But, New York's title hopes will rest on their pitching. The Atlanta Braves and Philadelphia Phillies both have elite pitching along with similarly deadly bats.
The Mets' pitchers will have to show that they can back up one of the National League's best lineups.