Day one of the Winter Meetings was anything but boring for Mets fans, as New York's favorite team continues to dominate the offseason headlines. The buzz around Juan Soto’s mammoth 15-year, $765 million deal still hangs in the air like the smell of freshly popped champagne, but the Mets aren’t resting on their laurels. Manager Carlos Mendoza spoke to reporters, providing plenty of insight (and humor) about the team’s moves and plans.
Let’s start with the obvious: Mendoza was tight-lipped about Soto. “Frankie Montas!” he quipped with a grin when asked which offseason acquisition he was most excited about. “Jose Siri! Frankie Montas and Siri. Exciting to have both of them.” The media room erupted in laughter, but make no mistake—Mendoza’s coyness about Soto was just good-natured deflection. The ink may not be dry on the Soto deal, but you can bet Mendoza is already dreaming up lineups with baseball’s newest $765 million man.
Frankie Montas: A Familiar Face
Before Soto stole the show, the Mets made a savvy move by signing starter Frankie Montas. Mendoza, who worked with Montas during their time with the Yankees, is well-acquainted with the flamethrower’s potential.
“This is a guy I spent a little time with when I was with the Yankees,” Mendoza said. “Unfortunately, he wasn’t healthy back then. But we faced him in the playoffs last year, and man, he was electric—sitting 96, 95, with life on the fastball. He’s got a split, a cutter, a slider, a sweeper. When he’s healthy, he’s a pretty good arm.”
Translation: if Montas can keep himself off the injured list, Mets fans might need sunglasses to deal with all the heat coming out of the rotation next year.
A Fond Farewell to Severino
Luis Severino, another pitcher Mendoza knows well from their Yankees days, bid farewell to Queens for a three-year, $67 million deal with the Oakland A’s. Mendoza, ever the classy guy, took the high road.
“Happy for Sevy,” he said. “I’m proud of him because I know how hard he had to work. I saw it firsthand when he got hurt, then came back and got through last year. I texted him to congratulate him and his family. Proud of him.”
While Severino’s departure stings, it’s hard not to root for the guy—unless he’s pitching against the Mets, of course.
Starling Marte: DH in the Cards?
One of the more intriguing offseason questions is what to expect from Starling Marte, who’s entering the final year of his contract. Injuries have been a recurring theme during his time in Flushing, but Mendoza remains optimistic.
“He’s a big part of this team, especially when he’s healthy,” Mendoza said. “We saw it in the playoffs—even when he wasn’t 100%, he’s a dynamic player. He can impact the game in so many ways: quality at-bats, going the other way, hitting it out of the park, running the bases, playing defense. He’s got a cannon out there.”
As for Marte potentially becoming a designated hitter? “Everything is on the table,” Mendoza admitted. He added that Marte’s knee rehab is progressing, and the outfielder is feeling better than he did late last season.
Clay Holmes: Starter or Reliever?
Another addition to the Mets’ pitching staff is Clay Holmes, a pitcher Mendoza knows well from the Yankees. Unlike in New York, where Holmes thrived as a reliever, the Mets envision him as a starter.
“The first thing that comes to mind with Clay is professionalism,” Mendoza said. “He takes the ball, he’s accountable, and he works really hard. He’s had success, and he’s had struggles, but he’s always there, ready to face the music. Good guy to have on the team.”
Luisangel Acuña: Star in the Making?
Luisangel Acuña made a splash last September, filling in for the injured Francisco Lindor. The question now is whether he’s ready for a full-time role or needs more seasoning in the minors. Mendoza sees value in Acuña’s continued development.
“I saw him last week at the Home Run Derby. He’s playing really well,” Mendoza said. “The feedback we’re getting is great. He’s getting at-bats in meaningful games in front of 15-20,000 people. That experience is huge.”
Whether he starts at second base, develops further in the minors, or becomes a trade chip, Acuña’s stock is definitely rising.
Mendoza’s Wish: Keeping Iglesias in the Fold
Mendoza couldn’t hide his admiration for free agent Jose Iglesias. "Unbelievable," Mendoza said of Iglesias's performance last season, highlighting his all-around contributions. "Elite defender, quality at-bat, his ability to put the ball in play... he was clutch with runners in scoring position." Mendoza praised not only his skills but also the energy he brings to the field. While it remains to be seen if the Mets can retain his services, Mendoza remarked, "He’s a player I’d love to have back," acknowledging Jose's pivotal role in the team’s midseason resurgence.
Carlos Mendoza on Pete Alonso’s Impact and Lineup Protection
As the Mets continue to shape their roster for 2024 and beyond, manager Carlos Mendoza made it clear just how vital Pete Alonso is to the team’s success—both on and off the field. Speaking at the Winter Meetings, Mendoza emphasized Alonso’s consistency, leadership, and the impact he has on constructing a balanced lineup.
“It’s not just what they do on the field but off the field too,” Mendoza said when asked about the importance of retaining a player like Alonso long-term. “There’s a lot to like about guys who can post every day like Pete.”
Alonso’s reliability hasn’t gone unnoticed by his new manager. “It’s a privilege to write his name on the lineup every day,” Mendoza added. “162 games—he played them all. That says a lot about him.”
On Protecting Alonso and Juan Soto
With the signing of superstar Juan Soto , the conversation shifted to how Alonso’s presence could enhance Soto’s impact and vice versa. While Mendoza didn’t comment on Soto directly, as the ink hasn't dried yet, he underscored the importance of lineup protection for a slugger like Alonso or Soto.
“A lot of people put too much into who’s hitting behind a guy like Pete,” Mendoza said. “It’s not just about protection; it’s about balance. Who’s getting on base in front of him? What does the lineup look like one through nine? That’s what creates opportunities.”
Mendoza highlighted names like Brandon Nimmo, Francisco Lindor, Mark Vientos, and Francisco Alvarez as key contributors to that balance. He also stressed the value of versatility and depth, noting that a championship-caliber lineup isn’t built around one or two stars but a cohesive unit. “You need balance, versatility, and guys who can handle multiple positions.”
Alonso’s Future
Though Alonso’s future with the Mets has been a hot topic in recent weeks, Mendoza’s comments left no doubt about how much he values the first baseman. As the Mets consider a potential extension for their homegrown star, Mendoza’s praise serves as a reminder of the irreplaceable role Alonso plays in the team’s culture and lineup.
Whether Alonso is driving in runs behind Soto or hitting in front of him, the Mets’ skipper knows the key to success lies in building around players who bring consistency and impact every day. “It’s about the total package,” Mendoza concluded. “And Pete brings that.”
The Mets’ Winter Meetings are off to a roaring start, with Carlos Mendoza leading the charge. And with Juan Soto on board, the future looks as bright as the Citi Field scoreboard after a Pete Alonso home run. Stay tuned, Mets fans—this offseason is just heating up.
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