Can the 2025 Mets Recapture the Magic of 2024?
When 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 start of spring training, the lineup received a significant boost with the re-signing of first baseman Pete Alonso.
However, acquiring a player with a side career in music wasn’t part of the plan.
“No, that is not on the list,” Stearns said with a smile.
Stearns’ choice not to re-sign Jose Iglesias, the infielder who became famous for the viral 2024 Mets anthem “OMG,” was driven by a desire for more roster flexibility. This decision also marked a shift from the scrappy 2024 Mets, who captured the hearts of fans with their unexpected success, to a new era. The 2025 Mets, who will take the field at Citi Field for their home opener on Friday, retain much of the same core but have added some high-profile new faces. With these changes come heightened expectations, especially after falling just two wins short of the World Series and signing Soto to the richest contract in professional sports history.
But there’s an intangible question looming over this year’s team: Can these Mets recreate the magic—the vibes, the memes, the feel-good underdog story—that propelled them to Game 6 of the National League Championship Series last season?
“Last year the culture was created,” Mets shortstop Francisco Lindor said. “It’s a matter of continuing it.”
Stearns, who has a track record of success with the Milwaukee Brewers, knows that there’s no exact formula for clubhouse chemistry. “Culture is very important,” Stearns said last weekend at Daikin Park. “Culture is also very difficult to predict.”
Recreating the 2024 season seems nearly impossible. There was Grimace, the purple McDonald’s mascot who became an unofficial team symbol after a memorable first pitch. Iglesias’ “OMG” topped the Billboard Latin Digital Songs chart, and Citi Field turned into a karaoke bar with Lindor’s walk-up song, “My Girl.” Alonso even introduced a lucky pumpkin in October. These were gimmicks that might have seemed forced if they hadn’t felt so right.
“I don’t know if what we did last year could be replicated because it was such a chaos-filled group,” Mets reliever Ryne Stanek said. “I don’t know if that’s replicable because there’s just too many things going on. I don’t know if that’s a sustainable model. But I think the expectation of winning is really important.”
Last season, the Mets started poorly, with Lindor facing boos and the bullpen struggling. The team began 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, dropping the team to 22-33. A players-only meeting that night seemed to turn things around, as the Mets won the next day and 67 of their final 107 games.
This year, to avoid a similar slow start and to integrate new players like Soto and Opening Day starter Clay Holmes, the team held meetings during spring training to establish a strong foundation.
“At the end of the day, we know who we are and that’s the beauty of our club,” Alonso said. “Not just who we are talent-wise, but who each individual is as a man and a personality.”
The Mets are attempting a dual-track makeover: becoming 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’s food offerings continue to be a fan favorite.
- Grimace seat remains at Citi Field
- “Five Borough” race introduced
- Citi Field voted best ballpark food
In the clubhouse, the team’s identity is evolving. “I’m very much in the camp that you can’t force things,” Mets starter Sean Manaea said. “There’s a fine balance there and you just got to wait and see what happens.”
Stearns believes it starts with what the Mets can control: bringing positive energy every day and fostering a family atmosphere. “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
