There is a lot of excitement about the New York Mets’ potential at spring training 2025. After a stunning run to the NLCS in October, there is a belief this roster is good enough to reach the World Series. And owner Steve Cohen is hoping the $765 million acquisition of Juan Soto is the missing piece to bring the franchise its first championship since 1986.
However, there are some big questions the club must answer before they can be a serious title contender this year. With that in mind, let’s look at five huge questions surrounding the New York Mets ahead of the 2025 MLB season.
Who plays second base in 2025?
Most of the positions around the diamond for this season are set. However, the biggest battle this spring will be at second base. Two-time All-Star Jeff McNeil is the incumbent. But after a pair of down seasons, the organization is open to change at 2B. Furthermore, they have some intriguing options as replacements.
Highly touted prospects, Brett Baty and Luisangel Acuna will have an opportunity to steal away the starting job this spring. Chances are McNeil holds on to his spot at second. But he needs to be looking over his shoulder at stud prospect Ronny Mauricio. He is the real true threat to eventually take his spot at 2B.
How do the New York Mets replace Frankie Montas?
Frankie Montas injuring his lat on the first day of training camp was a bad start for New York. They already have a rotation that is questionable and injuries could quickly turn it into a mediocre group. The nine-year veteran is expected to miss at least the next two months. Which leaves a major hole in the starting staff. How will the club fill that void?
They could go with top prospect Brandon Sproat. But the word is the club feels he is not yet ready for the big league level. Jose Butto could return to being a starter temporarily after being penciled in as the long reliever. Or the Mets could look at external options with the best candidate being former staff member Jose Quintana. He is still available in free agency.
Can Francisco Alvarez take another step forward?
Mark Vientos created a lot of excitement among New York Mets fans in 2024 after having a breakout season. However, if they truly want to be a title contender, they will also need his young teammate Francisco Alvarez to take a big step forward in his development at the plate.
Alvarez was one of the few Mets prospects this decade that was also ranked among the best in all of baseball. And fans have seen his potential. But last year he seemingly regressed. Fortunately, the 23-year-old took note of that and worked hard on his swing all offseason with former teammate JD Martinez. If he can make the same leap in 2025 that Vientos did in 2024, New York has one of the best lineups in baseball.
Is Mark Vientos really as good as he showed in the playoff?
Speaking of Vientos, he was one of the biggest stories for the New York Mets last season. His leap in progression was not only a big part of why they reached the playoffs but were also two wins away from the World Series in October. But can he maintain that level of play or be even better in 2025?
This year will be one of the greatest tests of how good Vientos truly is. It is no coincidence that other homegrown stars like Pete Alonso, Jose Reyes, and Brandon Nimmo struggled in the season following breakout years. The league is now aware of how good Vientos is. And they will adjust. How long it takes him to respond to the changes opposing pitchers make will be massive for the team this year.
What happens with Starling Marte?
When Starling Marte is healthy, he is a good player. The problem is throughout his career staying on the field is always an issue. And that will only get worse at 36 years old. It is no secret the team has looked to trade him this offseason. And he could still be moved before the season begins in March.
However, if he does stay, becoming the team’s new DH might be the perfect way to preserve his health. And squeeze one last impactful season at the plate from the two-time All-Star.