Spring training is a time of hope, renewal, and, for typical Mets fans, that familiar cocktail of cautious optimism and well-earned skepticism. It’s the annual ritual where every team starts with a clean slate, yet history reminds us that not all slates stay clean for long. I spent the past week in Port St. Lucie watching the 2025 Mets take shape, and there was no shortage of storylines. Carlos Mendoza, now in his second camp, carries himself with the confidence of a manager who has settled into the job. Juan Soto’s arrival has brought a level of excitement rarely seen in these parts, while Pete Alonso returns after a drawn-out free agency saga that felt like an off-Broadway run that refused to close. Meanwhile, competition for the final roster spots is heating up, Frankie Montas is already sidelined (a rite of spring, it seems), and Mets fans everywhere are left wondering whether this will finally be the year—or just another chapter in the team’s long history of improbable highs and inevitable heartbreaks.
A lot was made of the Mets’ chemistry last year, and rightfully so. They had the kind of camaraderie you usually see in buddy movies—except with fewer car chases and more sunflower seeds. But Mets fans, bless their loyal hearts, seem to think the key to recapturing that magic lies in bringing back OMG José Iglesias. The demand for his comeback on Social Media is reaching levels usually reserved for limited-edition sneakers and canceled streaming shows.
Look, I get it. Iglesias was fantastic in his 85-game stint last season. He played dazzling defense, hit .337, and made fans feel all warm and fuzzy inside. But let’s be real: before that, the guy had spent two seasons bouncing around the International League and the Pacific Coast League. He wasn’t exactly being courted like Shohei Ohtani. Iglesias is a very good baseball player, but he’s not Rod Carew, and despite what that .337 average might suggest, he’s not George Brett either. He was a great story, a spark plug, the guy you didn’t see coming—but as we’ve learned from Hollywood, sequels rarely live up to the original, don't believe me see if you can sit through Caddyshack 2.
Now, for those worried about “vibes” and clubhouse chemistry, let me put those fears to rest. This team takes its cue from Carlos Mendoza and Francisco Lindor, and that means energy, focus, and, yes, enough smiles to power an entire Broadway musical. Francisco Álvarez, still just 23, carries himself like a guy who’s on a mission to make sure the vibe meter never dips below *ridiculously positive. Newcomer José Siri—who’s already hearing plenty of “Hey Siri” jokes and taking it in stride—Jesse Winker, who looks like a kid on Christmas morning every time he puts on a Mets uniform, Mark Vientos, aka “Swaggy V,” a nickname he’s fully earned thanks to his love of fashion, bright accessories, and an ever-growing collection of flashy shoes that take up plenty of real estate in front of his locker in New York, and of course, Brandon Nimmo—who probably wakes up smiling and might actually sleep while smiling—are all on the same page.
Oh, and then there’s Juan Soto. If you were worried about him fitting in, consider this: he bought Brett Baty a car after Baty gave up his No. 22 for him. Nothing says “glad to be here” quite like handing over a set of keys. Meanwhile, Soto and Starling Marte have been practically inseparable, like a buddy cop duo where both guys rake. When I asked Carlos Mendoza about it, he smiled and mentioned that Marte has taken on a mentorship role for Soto, which, if you think about it, is like a 13-year veteran showing a three-time Silver Slugger how to be even better.
So, yes, the Mets may not have OMG José Iglesias back, but from what I’ve seen, the vibes are in excellent shape. And if you need a little historical perspective, just look at the 1973 Mets. They had Tug McGraw and *Ya Gotta Believe.* McGraw was still around in 1974… and saved exactly three games before being traded the next year. Chemistry is great, but it’s not a formula you can bottle. Sometimes, you just have to trust that the right mix is already in place.
Observations from the week, in no particular order:
The ball was exploding off Francisco Alvarez’s bat, and he looked like he borrowed J.D. Martinez’s swing overnight. I don’t know if he and J.D. shared a bat, a breakfast, or just a batting cage, but whatever it is, it’s working. Meanwhile, José Siri’s new stance and approach seem to have cut down the swing-and-miss without sacrificing an ounce of power. He’s set to get the bulk of time in center field, and somewhere in an Apple office, someone’s Siri just got very confused.
Mark Vientos looks poised to build on last year’s success—maybe even surpass it. Brett Baty’s transition to a utility role will come with growing pains, which will be a factor in whether he breaks camp with the team. Right now, his chances of starting the season in Queens are about the same as me figuring out TikTok.
As for lineup construction, Carlos Mendoza has made one thing clear: don’t expect to see the same nine guys in the same order every day. He’s set on 1-2-3 as Lindor-Soto-Alonso, but after that, it’ll depend on matchups, bullpen availability, and which players need a day off. Barring injury, Jesse Winker and Starling Marte will handle the DH duties. Marte seems at peace with this transition, pacing himself like a guy who finally realized he doesn’t need to go 0-60 on every routine grounder.
There’s an old Yiddish proverb that says, “Man plans, and God laughs,” a reminder that even the most carefully laid plans can be upended by the unexpected. Baseball is no exception, as GMs and managers make their plans, and the Baseball Gods laugh. Just days ago, it seemed certain that Nick Madrigal would secure the Mets’ utility role, but in his very first inning of spring training, he suffered a fractured shoulder and will be sidelined for a significant time—another in a long line of setbacks for the former first-round draft pick. This sudden twist opens the door for Luisangel Acuña, who brings versatility at both second base and shortstop. Meanwhile, Jeff McNeil remains locked in at second, with Carlos Mendoza emphasizing that a return to his 2022 form is crucial to the team’s success. As for the rest of the Opening Day locks: Francisco Álvarez and Luis Torrens at catcher, Pete Alonso at first, McNeil at second, Francisco Lindor at short, and Mark Vientos at third. If Brett Baty makes the roster, it likely means Jesse Winker suffered an injury. Otherwise, expect Baty new car and all, and Jared Young to begin the season in the minors.
The outfield is straightforward: Nimmo in left, Siri in center, and some guy named Soto in right. Tyrone Taylor reprises his role as the backup in all three spots. Marte, Winker, and McNeil might get some outfield reps, but only if Mendoza is feeling particularly adventurous. That brings us to 13 roster spots filled, with 13 more up for grabs.
Now, onto the starting rotation. The Mets appeared set on a six-man rotation to help preserve their arms, but just a week into camp, the Baseball Gods have already intervened. Frankie Montas suffered a lat strain, and Sean Manaea has a right oblique injury, leaving both shut down for a couple of weeks and set to start the season on the IL. Now, the Mets have a decision to make. They could pivot to a five-man rotation to open the season or look to reinforce their depth with a veteran arm. José Quintana, a familiar face from last season and currently a free agent, would be a logical fit. If they’re committed to maintaining a six-man rotation, Lance Lynn is another available option. An in-house solution would be moving José Butto into the rotation and shifting Max Kranick into the bullpen as a long reliever. Another possibility is a trade for Michael King or Dylan Cease from the Padres. Either way, with how things are going this spring, this likely won’t be the last adjustment they’ll have to make.
Clay Holmes, David Peterson, and Kodai Senga have looked sharp early on, and while Frankie Montas’ injury complicates things, I get the sense—based on body language and conversations—that his return might be quicker than the usual Mets timeline (which, historically, has been somewhere between “never” and “oops, we made it worse”). I don't know if I can say the same about Manaea. Paul Blackburn’s recovery from last year’s injury is moving cautiously, so expect him to start the season on the IL as well. That leaves the door open for Griffin Canning, Tylor Megill, and—well, maybe it's best to ask ChatGPT who else could round out the rotation for now. But with the way this spring is going, don’t be surprised if the Mets are forced to adjust again before Opening Day.
Now, let’s talk bullpen. The competition for the final seven spots is heating up. Four pitchers are locks: Edwin Díaz, A.J. Minter, Ryne Stanek, and José Butto. That leaves three spots up for grabs among Reed Garrett, Dedniel Nuñez, Danny Young, Sean Reid-Foley, Max Kranick, Anthony Gose, and Tyler Zuber—who has impressed everyone. Then there’s Huascar Brazobán, whose electric stuff makes scouts drool but whose control issues give managers gray hair. The Mets are high on Young, thanks to his sweeper, a pitch that generated a 51% whiff rate last year, giving him an edge over Reid-Foley. The latter is likely to be placed on waivers, but with his split contract making a claim unlikely, expect him to linger in the Mets’ system like a sitcom that never quite gets canceled.
Brazobán’s control remains a concern, but the Mets love his raw stuff, so he’s still in the mix. Zuber could also sneak onto the roster if there are lingering concerns about Nuñez’s health. With starting pitcher Sean Manaea now sidelined to start the season, Like I said earlier José Butto may shift into the sixth spot in the rotation, which could open the door for Max Kranick to take on the long-relief role in the bullpen. As for Anthony Gose, while his story is intriguing, his chances of making the Opening Day roster are about as good as my odds of winning the lottery. Ultimately, the bullpen decisions will come down to two simple factors: who can throw strikes and who can keep the coaching staff from aging prematurely.
Just one week into camp, the Mets have already lost three players who were penciled into the Opening Day roster, a sobering reminder that depth isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity. Every spring, teams set their blueprint for success, but reality has a way of forcing adjustments. The hope is that these early setbacks aren’t a sign of things to come, but in a sport where one misstep can change everything, flexibility is just as important as talent.
Spring training always brings its share of surprises, and this year is no different. The Mets enter 2025 with plenty of talent, a renewed sense of energy, and a roster that—on paper—looks capable of making a deep run. Of course, the real test begins when the games count, and history has taught Mets fans to brace for anything. But for now, even with the early injuries, there’s a lot to like about this team. Chemistry isn’t just about who’s in the clubhouse; it’s about how they play together, and from what I’ve seen this past week in Port St. Lucie, this group is already clicking. Whether that translates to October baseball remains to be seen, but for now, Mets fans can dream—and isn’t that what spring training is all about?
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