Prior to this season, I indicated that I was uncertain about the Mets prospects for 2025, unlike last season when I predicted that we would not only make the playoffs but do well. Now that this season is history, I’d like to share my observations for the immediate future. First,
RIP
DAVEY JOHNSON
Over the
course of their 64-year history, the Mets have had only three top rated
managers: Gil Hodges, Davey Johnson and Bobby Valentine. All shared similar
traits. They were extremely knowledgeable baseball men, strong leaders and no-nonsense
types. Each of them would do whatever was necessary to win. I loved the take no
prisoners style of Johnson.
LOOKING
AT 2026
There’s been
a lot of speculation that many changes are in store for 2026. However, the
reality is that next year’s starting 9 will not look all that different than
this year. The upshot is that Syracuse is slated to have a dynamic team.
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My
assumption is that Alonso will sign a three-year contract to remain with the
team. Benge and Williams will most likely start the year in Syracuse with a
possible mid-season call up. Tong and Scott may also join the rotation by June.
The wealth of talent at the upper levels of the farm system should present an opportunity
to package multiple high-end prospects for an elite SP to join the rotation. It
will be interesting to see what the pen will look like next year. We can only
speculate,
The major
significant changes likely for 2026 is the revamping of the coaching staff. I
hope they decide to extend a contract to Jeremy Heffner. It’s already been
confirmed that Carlos Mendoza will return. This scares me. He continues to be
clueless in managing a pitching staff. One of the dumbest things I have ever
witnessed is having Torrens pitch the ninth inning with a 14-run lead. And his
bullen game Sunday when a win would have gotten the Mets into the playoffs
defies description. I don’t believe Mendoza has baseball smarts and has not
shown the capacity for growth. A lackluster start to the 2026 season should result
in him being relieved of his duties.
Some concerns
have been made about how to make up for the loss in production if Alonso does
leave. Expect increased production from Alvarez and Baty to make up most of the
difference.
Next year is
shaping up to be tough. The Braves will be back, the Marlins are feisty, the Nats
keep improving and the Phillies have the best overall talent. Next year will be
the year that the foundation for a solid pitching staff will be set with graduates from Syracuse
setting the stage for 2027.
Ray
September 30, 2025
16 comments:
Two observations.
1. Where is McNeil? He is under contract for 2026. I would have listed him as the 2nd baseman.
2. I would switch Williams and Ewing between the OF and 2nd. Williams has played more 2nd than Ewing. Also, with Nimmo and Soto, there could possibly only one OF position available at mid-year and I believe, depending on performance, that Benge would get the nod first.
Whatever, those line-ups should look to be quite formidable.
Opposition will be tougher next year. A lot to fix.
There shouldn't be drastic changes, it wasn't a personnel issue, it was a day-to-day management issue when it came to the offense. Terrible lineups, they literally configured lineups that basically said if you make the most money, you get to hit first lol. Trying to make hitters into run-producers when they aren't has never worked. There is a reason why the Yankees won 4 titles hitting Jeter 2nd or leadoff, and not cleanup.
Syracuse might be better than the team playing at Citi Field
You can push around bats to
different positions but you aren't going to play playoff baseball without at least three producing starters.
Check the current rotations of this year's playoff teams
The Mets were in command and had the lowest starter ERA... until they didn't
All the old guys couldn't pitch past six before ringing the pitch count bell.
They ended the season with ONE
THAT has to change
If we don't re-sign Pete, we may have to move Lindor down in the order and get a true leadoff hitter, high OBP, works counts, less strike outs, more contact.
Also, without a much improved pitching staff we can expect the same results.
I like Lindor down lower in the batting order to allow him more opportunities to drive in runs.
IMO
McNeil is a very valuable bridge player in 2026. I too would play him primarily on second where he plays passable defense. I would start him until someone graduates
My full-time centerfielder would be Taylor. I have no problem with him hitting .220 because of his impeccable defense. Not like other .220 hitting that fields like shit. I also would start him until someone graduates
AJ Ewing and Jett Williams both would make great leadoff hitting. Neither will be ready on OD.
Option until someone graduates:
Leadoff: 2B Acuña
CF: Taylor/McNeil
It really sucks that we are having trouble putting together an O.K. roster forget killer roster with the highest payroll in baseball and thats on DS. I think we will live for many years probably regreting the Soto signing because of the ripple effect thoughout the team. I wonder what plan B was last year if we didn't sign him? The embarrassment of losing out on the last day of the season to the team with the lowest payroll makes us once again a laughing stock and Stevie needs to get involved.
I just don't understand why so many people hate signing one of the top power bats that is also ranked in the top five in stolen bases
I left McNeil off my starting roster because I view him as a super utility guy. Also good chance he gets traded.
Mack, its not that we openly hate the signing, its at what cost. It's the ripple effect of the trade. With so much money locked into 1 player it stops you from signing other players.
It also has divided the team, hurt the chemistry. We are locked into a player who really couldn't give a shit if we win or lose...as long as he gets his 51 Mil a year. He makes the most money and is not even in the top 5.
As for the stolen bases, that was totally based on the 1B coach. To me that was selfish also. When he has 40/40 in his sights he got picked off 5 times.
I just feel in the long run the signing has hamstrung the team for 15 years.
Great point about the lineup
Nomproblem
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