Mix in Grimace, “OMG” and some timely hitting and pitching, and the New York Mets made a surprising run to the 2024 National League Championship Series.
By posting a 40-27 record after the All-Star break, the Mets were one of the hottest teams in the NL heading into the postseason. That ability to win showed itself again in the playoffs as New York fought through the first two rounds before finally succumbing to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Heading into the offseason, the Mets will be one of the most intriguing teams to watch, which has become commonplace since Steve Cohen took over. Thanks to an owner who is not afraid to spend to get deep into the postseason, the Amazins look primed to make waves.
With that in mind, let’s look at three questions facing the Mets this winter.
Juan Soto, Pete Alonso or neither?
Thanks to the payroll possibilities, the Mets have the luxury of pursuing some of the biggest free-agent names on the market and being competitive for their services.
That means they will be among the suitors for both Alonso and Soto. The quest to lure Soto away from the New York Yankees is already beginning, as Cohen is reportedly heading to California to meet with Soto and agent Scott Boras. If that goes well, could Soto come off the market quickly?
If Soto comes to Queens, Alonso could be on his way out as the Mets swap out sluggers. If Soto spurns the Mets, Alonso could anchor the lineup once again.
It’s great for the Mets to know they have a Plan A and B in place. It seems inconceivable that the Mets would start the season without Soto or Alonso in the lineup.
How much will the Mets spend on pitching?
New York could also use its resources to land top-name talent on the mound, such as Corbin Burnes or Max Fried. However, the Mets could bring back names such as Luis Severino or Sean Manaea from last season’s rotation.
New York has recently tried to assemble a super team of pitchers (remember the Justin Verlander and Max Scherzer experiment?), but it didn’t end well. Would the Mets be willing to try that again? It seems unlikely, but it’s something to watch.
Who will be the X-factor?
No one had Jose Iglesias serving as an X-factor on the way to a postseason run in Queens. He wasn’t called up from Triple-A until May 31 but slashed .337/.381/.448 with an OPS+ of 137 over 85 games. He brought the “OMG” movement (and song) to the team, which seemed to unite the clubhouse.
The veteran infielder will turn 35 in January, and there is still a question if he will return to the Mets in 2025. If he does, the chances of repeating what he did in 2024 seem slim. If he doesn’t, will the Mets be able to find someone else to fill that void in the clubhouse and on the field?
Iglesias made a surprising impact on the Mets in 2024. Can someone even come close to replicating that in 2025?