Mets 2025 Preview: Kings of Queens

Published: Wednesday, March 26, 2025

by Matt Nazario

“This year will finally be the Mets’ year” has been a saying within the Mets fandom, including myself, for quite some time. Being a New York Mets fan requires willpower, patience and maturity, but we wouldn’t have it any other way.

Something is in the air in Queens—a sense of optimism and pride—thanks to a 2024 season that took MLB by storm. “From 0-5 to OMG,” as Mets broadcasting legend Gary Cohen put it, perfectly encapsulated a magical and, overall, one of the most fun seasons for the Mets in decades. With a whole lot of Grimace, clutch performances and OMG signs, the optimism is abundant heading into their 2025 campaign.

From July 2024 onward, the Mets finally found their stride after years of underachieving despite their immense payroll and high expectations. Though they fell to the powerhouse Los Angeles Dodgers in the NLCS, they put together an entertaining playoff run. Their proudest moment came in the always chaotic NL East, stunning the rival Philadelphia Phillies in the NLDS.

Francisco Lindor proved he was worth every penny throughout the latter part of the regular season and the playoffs. While the early years of his tenure in Queens left much to be desired, the Mets' midseason turnaround coincided with his MVP-level play.

Highlighting the start of their 2025 campaign is the man of the hour, Juan Soto. After a short stint in the Bronx, the Mets managed to steal the former All-Star and World Series champion from their crosstown rival, the New York Yankees. The 15-year, $765 million deal not only marked the largest contract in MLB history but also served as a landmark moment in Mets history.

Tired of being treated as the “little brother” of New York baseball, owner Steve Cohen made his boldest move yet—not only to steal the Yankees’ thunder but also to send a message to the rest of the league that the Mets are here and fully intend to make a push toward the World Series. Soto, alongside Francisco Lindor, will be a dynamic superstar duo as the 2025 season progresses.

The Mets also re-signed playoff hero and franchise first baseman Pete Alonso on a two-year deal with an opt-out after the first season, after failing to reach an extension during the regular season. The contract appears to be a “prove-it” deal for Alonso. With Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr. set to hit free agency next fall, Alonso will look to address his strikeout issues and continue slugging to secure his place.

Another key storyline is Alonso’s chase for the Mets’ all-time home run record. He needs just 27 more to surpass David Wright and Darryl Strawberry.

The offseason was not without its goodbyes and hardships. Pieces from the NLCS team began to scatter as the months progressed. Luis Severino signed with the Athletics, José Quintana with the Brewers, and Harrison Bader with the Twins, among others. José Iglesias, whose hit single “OMG” became the anthem of the Mets’ magical 2024 season—along with his timely hitting in the playoff push—signed with the Padres.

The pitching rotation has already drawn concerns from Mets fans, with injuries taking a toll. The lineup depth had faced minor criticism, and now Sean Manaea and newly acquired Frankie Montas are dealing with injuries. Kodai Senga, despite being ready for a full workload to start the season, has battled a brutal injury history with the Mets. That leaves former Yankee Clay Holmes to take the mound on Opening Day in what may be the biggest test of his career so far.

While the Marlins and Nationals appear to be continuing their rebuilds, the Mets will still face formidable competition in the NL East from the Braves and Phillies in the chase for the pennant.

The Mets open their season Thursday against the Houston Astros in an intriguing first test for this new era.

The time is now for the Mets to stake their claim at the top of baseball and etch their place in history. Maybe that’s just the Mets fan in me thinking out loud, but the slogan has always been “Ya Gotta Believe!”

Matt Nazario can be reached at matthew.nazario@student.shu.edu. 

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