The New York Mets kicked off their 2025 Grapefruit League season with much anticipation as they faced the Houston Astros on Saturday, February 22, 2025. The game took place at Clover Park in Port St. Lucie, Florida, starting at 1:10 PM ET. Fans had the chance to catch the action through SNY and DirecTV Stream.
This season is particularly notable with the arrival of superstar Juan Soto, who is making his highly anticipated Mets spring training debut after signing what is effectively the largest contract in MLB history—a staggering 15-year, $765 million deal. The excitement surrounding Soto is palpable; he is expected to significantly impact the team's performance as he settles behind veteran Francisco Lindor, who will lead off.
Mets manager Carlos Mendoza has indicated his plans for Soto, stating he intends for him to bat second, right after Lindor. Last season, Lindor recorded impressive stats with a .303 batting average and 26 home runs over 109 games, which showcased his ability as a formidable leadoff hitter. Soto himself is coming off of standout performances, hitting .287 with 41 home runs and 108 RBIs last year, and is expected to be key for the Mets this upcoming season.
On the mound for the Mets, Clay Holmes is set to pitch three innings, showcasing his experience from the Yankees’ bullpen, where he maintained a solid 2.69 ERA over the past four years. Homes has only commenced four games throughout his seven-year career but is poised to make significant contributions this spring.
The starting lineup for the Mets against the Astros featured several key players, including:
- Francisco Lindor, SS
- Juan Soto, RF
- Pete Alonso, 1B
- Jeff McNeil, 2B
- Brett Baty, 3B
- Francisco Alvarez, C
- Brice Matthews, SS
- Jesus Bastidas, 3B
- Cesar Salazar, C
- Luis Torrens, DH
- Rafael Ortega, LF
While the Mets are optimistic about their fit for the upcoming season, they are also facing challenges. Recently, it was reported by the Associated Press about pitcher Frankie Montas, who signed a two-year, $34 million contract during the offseason. Montas will be sidelined for six to eight weeks due to a high-grade lat strain, which adds to the uncertainty surrounding the team's rotation. Mendoza reassured fans, saying, "We’ve got options... It’s still too early," indicating the team still has depth and flexibility within their roster.
The Mets' owner, Steve Cohen, has always maintained ambitious goals for the team, especially after their near-miss last season where they reached the NL Championship Series. He expressed his desire to not only make the playoffs but win the World Series, reflecting on the team's significant spending and ambition. "After getting a taste of being in the League Championship Series, we want to go to the World Series, right, and we want to win," Cohen noted, emphasizing the determination etched throughout the team's strategy.
Financially, the Mets have been the biggest spenders league-wide. Their projected payroll could soar to around $345 million depending on future acquisitions, with Cohen facing the challenge of balancing fiscal responsibility with competitive needs. Cohen humorously referred to the financial pressures dubbed the “Cohen tax”, expressing the need to manage expenditures more wisely. "I’d like to get below the Cohen tax," he stated, adding insight on potential long-term plans for the organization.
Cohen's leadership also stresses the need for improved attendance and connection with the fanbase, which has been concerning, with attendance dropping to 2.3 million last year. "That really bothered me," he admitted, showcasing his dedication not just to payroll but to crafting a vibrant franchise and loyal follower base.
Overall, the Mets’ 2025 Spring Training is both promising and cautiously optimistic. The introduction of Soto combined with strategic gameplay signifies the team’s readiness to correct the shortcomings of last season. With power hitters and strategic pitchers like Holmes ready to take the mound, fans will be eager to watch how this season takes shape.
With the opening game under their belts, the Mets are set on building team chemistry and focusing on their game strategies, all the way aiming toward their ultimate goal: securing the coveted World Series title, which has eluded them since 1986.