Reese Kaplan -- What Has Gone Right for the 2025 Mets? - WILD CARD UPDATE

For many of you accustomed to my sometimes overly critical eye on this team’s mostly negative performance this year then this piece might seem a bit out of character.  Instead of focusing on the very many things that have gone wrong this year, let’s take a look at where some bright and shiny things came out of what will go down in the history books as the downfall of an expensive but under performing cast of character.  So put on your rosiest glasses and let’s now take a look at things that have gone more right than wrong for the 2025 Mets.

Nolan McLean came up before the more highly vaunted prospect Jonah Tong and folks while happy to see someone try to breathe life into the pitching staff were still a little puzzled that he was promoted first.  Quickly, however, that uncertainty gave way to incredible fervor as the man has opened his major league career over a total thus far of 7 starts with an eye popping 4-1 record accompanied by a 1.27 ERA.  He’s struck out better than one per inning and is standing on a WHIP of just about a single runner per inning.  As bad as things have been, how much worse would it be had McLean not arrived and become the new Nolan in Mets history?

While batting average has not been a strong suit for either one of them, the combined efforts of Brett Baty and Mark Vientos gave more good than bad in terms of home run power and run production.  It’s going to force some difficult decisions over the winter to figure out who owns which position or who could become strong trade bait to address another need.  At this point, however, if both are around there is no Syracuse in the future for either one of them.

Juan Soto was expected to provide superstar level offense when he arrived and inked the spots biggest ever contract.  Things sure didn’t start out that way, but as the season progressed he at first quietly and then resoundingly confirmed that Steve Cohen’s investment was a good one.  As it stands here in the final week of the season you’re looking at a man with an all time high of 42 home runs, 104 RBIs and an surprising burst with thus far 35 stolen bases.  As at best an average defender, the WAR score of 6.3 is doubly amazing.

Pete Alonso in his second consecutive potential walk year is sporting a .274 batting average which is better than average for him while also powering the way with 122 RBIs and 37 HRs.  His WAR number is 3.5 which is quite good and will make him a very expensive free agent for whomever enjoys his skill set in 2026.

Francisco Lindor Is very close to a second 30-30 season having already swiped 31 bases and standing with 6 games to go a total of 28 HRs.  He was the first expensive long term investment made by Steve Cohen and between what he does on the field, on the bases and at the plate he very much is earning his salary.  His WAR score of 5.0 suggests he is well worth the $34 million annual pay rate.

Brandon Nimmo has exceed his career average rates for both HRs and RBIs while hitting right on his career mark.  People were unsure of what kind of player he was going to be when he was first signed as a draft pick but each year he keeps building onto his already solid metrics.

Francisco Alvarez has had a wild season with offensive gaps, injuries and a comeback from both.  Uncharacteristically his batting average elevated to .257, a 27 point increase over his career mark of .230.  His power numbers are seemingly down with just 9 HRs but that’s been over just 230 ABs.  He’s having a 20+ HR season if you extrapolate it over regular 500+ ABs for the season. 

Of course, you can’t leave off pending free agent option exerciser Edwin Diaz.  He’s once again looking to be the best in the game at what he does and as such coming off a truly stellar 2025 season he’s going to seek a larger annual paycheck and a greater number of years.  Whether Steve Cohen buys him out of that change is as yet unknown.

There are a few other pitchers who have contributed way more good than bad.  This list would include the recovered Brooks Raley, the now gone Griffin Canning, and an assortment of short term relievers who have long since come and gone. 

For all of the doom and gloom over the results for this current season, there were most definitely some true bright spots as well.

WILD CARD UPDATE

Well, the Mets finally pulled one out of their arse. Add that to a Reds loss and it was probably a big steak celebration at Gene @ Georgetti's Steakhouse (hey Tony!) on North Franklin Street.

5 GAMES TO GO

METS   81-76    ----

AZ       80-77      1

CIN     80-77      1