The New York Mets have taken the offseason by storm, making headlines with their remarkable roster moves. The biggest news is the acquisition of All-Star Juan Soto, who is now donning the Mets colors after signing one of the most lucrative contracts in baseball history. This monumental agreement reflects the team's commitment to not just compete but thrive in Major League Baseball.
Following this significant signing, the Mets also secured pitcher Sean Manaea on Monday. ESPN's Jeff Passan reported the deal—a three-year contract worth $75 million—which rounds out what many fans see as one of the most formidable rotations heading toward the 2025 season. Manaea is coming off a resurgent year where he pitched impressively with the Mets, posting a 12-6 record and maintaining an ERA of 3.47 across 181.1 innings. His performance was seen as not just satisfactory but pivotal for the Mets during the previous postseason run.
During his time with the Mets, Manaea showed noticeable improvement over his spell with the San Diego Padres and San Francisco Giants. His decision to lower his arm slot proved beneficial, creating more difficult angles for hitters. This adaptability helped him achieve career highs, including 181.2 innings pitched and 184 strikeouts, making him one of the focal points of the Mets' pitching staff.
The question looms, though: What about Pete Alonso? The release of first baseman Alonso is another developing story as he tests the waters of free agency. With other teams rapidly filling their first base vacancies—such as the Houston Astros signing Christian Walker and the New York Yankees acquiring Paul Goldschmidt—the situation is shifting rapidly. Alonso’s track record speaks volumes; he hit 34 home runs last season and ranks as one of the most consistent power hitters the Mets have ever had.
Alonso's value soars, especially with the competitive market for first basemen dwindling. Many experts, including FanSided's Quinn Everts, speculate he may very well end up staying with the Mets. "It’s not the most exciting possibility for general MLB fans, but it’s the option...that makes the most sense,” he noted, emphasizing how the Mets would likely present the best offer on the table.
Likewise, team leadership echoes this sentiment. Shortstop Francisco Lindor commented on Alonso’s pick of teams, stating, "Pete should maximize this moment because he’s worked so hard. He’s going to have to make this decision himself as to where he wants to go... If we have him back on our team, it would be amazing.” Such remarks show the camaraderie within the Mets’ locker room and highlight the importance placed on Alonso as not just a talent, but as part of the team’s identity.
With Alonso's future still uncertain, predictions circle about what could come next. Some propose scenarios where the Mets can reinforce their batting lineup even more. Even sportscaster Evan Roberts shared excitement about the prospect of Alonso returning, envisioning the powerful lineup the Mets could forge—one led by stars like Soto and manned by Alonso at first base.
The Mets’ strategic moves this offseason, particularly the signing of Soto, are pivotal to their aspirations for the 2025 season. Will they pull off retaining Alonso now, too? Only time will reveal what the front office has planned for the future, as they weigh their investment against Alonso's potential contributions.
Adding depth to their pitching staff as well, the Mets have recently signed Anthony Gose and Luis Ortiz on minor league contracts—moves reflecting both caution and ambition as they look toward the new season. While these acquisitions might not excite fans as much as Soto or Alonso would, they show prudent planning as the franchise continued its quest for excellence.
With all of these changes, the Mets are striving for nothing less than success. Now with Juan Soto and potentially Pete Alonso back for good, the New York Mets are on the cusp of building something exceptional for the upcoming season. Their recent offseason roster moves signal to the baseball world not only their intent but their readiness to become leaders. It will be fascinating to see how these narratives continue to evolve as spring training approaches.
