By Eddie Castro
As the first night of the winter meetings got underway, the New York Mets wasted no time upgrading their roster as they came to a record-breaking agreement with Superstar Juan Soto on a 15-year/$765 million contract. It is the richest contract given out in professional sports history solidifying that Soto will not only indeed be the last player to wear NO. 22 in Queens, but when he does get inducted to the Hall Of Fame, it will be in a Mets plaque.
Soto has not reached his prime yet at just 26 years, which is pretty scary to think about (well if you are the opposing pitcher that is). With his introduction press conference officially to Mets fans in the books, the question now remains, what are the next moves for the Orange & Blue?
The team still has a few holes to fill out in what could be a promising upcoming season. One area the time could look at is pitching. Ace pitcher Kodai Senga reportedly will be “ready to go” by spring training after battling calf and shoulder injuries that plagued his 2024 campaign. After Senga, the Mets rotation is sort of in Limbo.
Lefty Sean Manaea had a career year for the Mets last year and was arguably their best pitcher when Senga went down. He (Manaea) is a free agent and after reviving his career last year, Manaea is seeking a multi-year deal with the Mets expected to be top suitors in bringing him back.
Another option could be the young 23-year Japanese flame-thrower Roki Sasaki. Sasaki was posted for Major League teams on December 9th and ironically enough, the two teams who were reportedly expected to meet with him are the Mets and Yankees. The negotiating window for Sasaki to sign with a Major League team runs through January 23rd. Corbin Burnes who is without a doubt the best pitcher in free agency is still unsigned. He can definitely be and option for the team and easily bolster their rotation.
First base for the Mets also remains a question mark with fan favorite Pete Alonso currently a free agent. If the Mets can swing a deal and bring their home-grown player back, it will pit together probably the three most dangerous trio in a lineup with Francisco Lindor, Soto, and a returning Alonso.
The Soto acquisition is a sign that the Mets are more than willing to compete with any team for the game’s top-tier players. The team must address their pitching needs to complement what should be a very dangerous yet effective offense now with Soto in the fold. Owner Steve Cohen is on a quest to put together a championship team.
A championship Met fans have not seen since 1986 (I was not born). I would expect the Mets to still be a team to watch whether it be through the trade or free agent market and upgrade their roster to compete with National League powerhouse teams like the Dodgers, Phillies, Braves, and Padres. Stay tuned OTP Universe!
SPORTS NOTES: (FOOTBALL) The New York Jets are coming off their first win since Halloween after defeating the Jaguars 32-25 last Sunday. Gang Green returns home to play the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. The Giants will head to Atlanta to battle the Falcons.