Can the 2025 Mets Recapture the Magic of 2024?
When the New York Mets’ president of baseball operations, David Stearns, set out to build a formidable roster for the 2025 season, his primary focus was on securing the talents of outfielder Juan Soto. Following that, the team needed to strengthen its starting rotation and enhance the bullpen. Just before the pitchers and catchers reported for spring training, the lineup received a significant boost with the re-signing of first baseman Pete Alonso.
Interestingly, acquiring a player with a side career in music wasn’t part of the plan. “No, that is not on the list,” Stearns remarked with a smile, referring to the decision not to re-sign Jose Iglesias, the infielder who became famous for the viral 2024 Mets anthem “OMG.” This decision was made to allow for more roster flexibility, but it also signaled a shift from the scrappy 2024 Mets, who captured the hearts of fans with their unexpected success, to a new era with heightened expectations.
The 2025 Mets, who are set to make their home debut at Citi Field on Friday, retain much of their core but have also added some high-profile players. With the addition of Soto, who signed the richest contract in professional sports history, the team is under pressure to perform. But can they recreate the magic of last season, when they defied the odds to reach Game 6 of the National League Championship Series?
“Last year the culture was created,” said Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor. “It’s a matter of continuing it.”
David Stearns, who previously led the Milwaukee Brewers to the postseason five times in eight seasons, understands the importance of team chemistry. However, he acknowledges that there’s no formula for creating the right clubhouse atmosphere. “Culture is very important,” Stearns said, “Culture is also very difficult to predict.”
Recreating the 2024 season seems like a tall order. Last year, the Mets became known for their quirky antics, from Grimace, the purple McDonald’s mascot, to Iglesias’ chart-topping anthem. Citi Field turned into a karaoke bar with Lindor’s walk-up song, and Alonso’s lucky pumpkin became a symbol of their success. These elements might have seemed forced if they hadn’t felt so genuine.
Mets reliever Ryne Stanek reflected on the chaos-filled nature of last year’s team. “I don’t know if what we did last year could be replicated because it was such a chaos-filled group,” he said. “But I think the expectation of winning is really important.”
Last season, the Mets struggled initially, with Lindor facing boos and the bullpen faltering. They started 0-5 and hit rock bottom on May 29, when reliever Jorge Lopez threw his glove into the stands during a loss to the Los Angeles Dodgers. However, a players-only meeting seemed to turn things around, and the Mets won 67 of their final 107 games.
This year, the team is determined to avoid a slow start and integrate new players like Soto and Opening Day starter Clay Holmes. They’ve held meetings during spring training to build a strong foundation.
- Focus on team chemistry
- Integrate new players
- Maintain a positive atmosphere
“At the end of the day, we know who we are,” Alonso said. “Our major strength is our collective identity as a unit.”
The Mets are striving to become perennial World Series contenders while maintaining a sense of fun. The purple Grimace seat at Citi Field remains, and the team has introduced a “Five Borough” race at home games. Citi Field continues to be recognized for its outstanding ballpark food.
In the clubhouse, the team’s identity is evolving. “I’m very much in the camp that you can’t force things,” said Mets starter Sean Manaea. “There’s a fine balance there, and you just got to wait and see what happens.”
Stearns believes that fostering a positive atmosphere is key. “It’s fluid,” manager Carlos Mendoza said. “I like where guys are at as far as the team chemistry goes. But it’ll continue to take some time. And winning helps, clearly.”
Originally Written by: Jorge Castillo
